Date: 1766

"We should then find that creatures, whose souls are held as dross, only wanted the hand of a refiner; we should then find that wretches, now stuck up for long tortures, lest luxury should feel a momentary pang, might, if properly treated, serve to sinew the state in times of danger."

— Goldsmith, Oliver (1728?-1774)

Date: 1766

"I know not whether the remark is to our honour or otherwise, that the lessons of wisdom have never such a power over us, as when they are wrought into the heart, through the ground-work of a story which engages the passions: Is it that we are like iron, and must first be heated before we can be ...

— Sterne, Laurence (1713-1768)

Date: 1763, 1767

"So stern Philosophy severe affirms, / With shrunk abstracted eye, and iron soul."

— Jones, Henry (1721-1770)

Date: 1768

"He gave a deep sigh--I saw the iron enter into his soul--I burst into tear"

— Sterne, Laurence (1713-1768)

Date: 1768

"But 'tis a civil thing, said I--and as I generally act from the first impulse, and therefore seldom listen to these cabals, which serve no purpose, that I know of, but to encompass the heart with adamant--I turn'd instantly about to the lady."

— Sterne, Laurence (1713-1768)

Date: 1768

"Ye whose clay-cold heads and luke-warm hearts can argue down or mask your passions, tell me, what trespass is it that man should have them?"

— Sterne, Laurence (1713-1768)

Date: 1769

"His wealth shall circulate through all her veins, / His flowing gold shall warm her vig'rous heart, / And health and plenty visit ev'ry part;"

— Jones, Henry (1721-1770)

Date: 1771

"Immortal Truth his bosom steels, / And guards him glorious to the goal"

— Cunningham, John (1729-1773)

Date: 1775

"That heart, by war and honour steel'd to fear, / Droops on a sigh, and sickens at a tear!"

— Sheridan, Richard Brinsley (1751-1816)

Date: 1778

"I must first see what state my troops are in.--Go you, Drill, and bring 'em before us--here they come! here they come--come on my hearts of gold"

— Pilon, Frederick (1750-1788)