Date: 1743

Dullness in the "absence of Reason," tho' she cannot regulate the Passions like Reason, yet blunts and deadens their Vigour, and, indeed, produces some of the good effects"

— Pope, Alexander (1688-1744)

Date: 1748

"[A]nd in the mean time went to dress, with an intention of visiting Mrs. Snapper and Miss, whom I had utterly neglected and indeed almost forgot, since my dear Narcissa had resumed the empire of my soul."

— Smollett, Tobias (1721-1777)

Date: 1748

"[F]ond anxiety, the glowing hopes, and chilling fears" may "rule [the] breast by turns"

— Smollett, Tobias (1721-1777)

Date: 1746, 1749

"But, since we never from the Breast of Fools / Can root their Passions, yet while Reason rules, / Let her hold forth her Scales with equal Hand, / Justly to punish, as the Crimes demand."

— Francis, Philip (1708-1773)

Date: 1751

"She addressed herself to him with a familiar air, observing, that she had heard much of his great knowledge, and was come to be a witness of his art, which she desired him to display, in declaring what he knew to be her ruling passion."

— Smollett, Tobias (1721-1777)

Date: 1751

One may meet with an object that disputes the empire of one's heart with a beloved

— Smollett, Tobias (1721-1777)

Date: 1751

Love may reign in the breast

— Smollett, Tobias (1721-1777)

Date: 1751

A beloved may acquire "the most absolute empire over" a lover's soul

— Smollett, Tobias (1721-1777)

Date: 1753

Indignation and Sorrow may be predominant passions

— Smollett, Tobias (1721-1777)

Date: January 1, 1760 - January 1, 1762; 1762

"He revolved the late adventure of the coach, and the declaration of Mr. Clarke, with equal eagerness and astonishment; and was seized with the most ardent desire of unravelling a mystery so interesting to the predominant passion of his heart."

— Smollett, Tobias (1721-1777)