The fact is, that he did find so much in the books he read, applicable to his own misfortunes, and did find himself in every respect so much like the heroes—because of course he is conscious of his own superiority, as we all are, and very naturally—that he took to scorning everything, and became a genius; and I am quite sure that he is, at this very present moment, writing another book.’
— from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens

Why should we be so easily awed by artistic genius and exalt men whose works we know only by name, perhaps, and whose influence upon society has been infinitesimal, like a Pindar or a Leonardo, while we regard great merchants and inventors as ignoble creatures in comparison?
— from The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress by George Santayana

Monte-Leone and Taddeo were talking together, and this fragment of their conversation struck the ear of the old Prince, who seemed entirely absorbed by a game of whist.
— from The International Monthly, Volume 3, No. 3, June, 1851 by Various

"I have revenged your crime," she exclaimed, "and by a greater crime.
— from Specimens of German Romance; Vol. I. The Patricians by C. F. van der (Carl Franz) Velde

Sepphoris (Diocæsarea), a Synhedrion established at, by Aulus Gabinius, 2 , 71 .
— from History of the Jews, Vol. 6 (of 6) Containing a Memoir of the Author by Dr. Philip Bloch, a Chronological Table of Jewish History, an Index to the Whole Work by Heinrich Graetz

The fat man tried the same experiment, and being a good head and a half taller than his companion, obtained footing at a depth which brought the water almost to his chin.
— from Canoe Boys and Campfires; Or, Adventures on Winding Waters by William Murray Graydon

She escaped all but a glancing blow of the fender, but that threw her against the curb.
— from Ellen Levis: A Novel by Elsie Singmaster

Under such circumstances, as is the custom among thieves and receivers, she expected a bargain, and got it.
— from The Catholic World, Vol. 11, April, 1870 to September, 1870 by Various