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: 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)

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

A sacred idea may be throned within the heart and "cherished with such fervency of regard, with such reverence of affection, as the devout anchorite more unreasonably pays to those sainted reliques that constitute the object of his adoration"

— Smollett, Tobias (1721-1777)

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

A woman may be "possessed of that vigour of mind which constitutes true fortitude, and vindicates the empire of reason"

— Smollett, Tobias (1721-1777)