Date: 1754

"Thus oft' disguis'd, in poverty we find / Bright genius sparkle thro' an humble mind. / What tho' no gold or diamonds gild the mine, / No glittering strata in the caverns shine; / Yet useful minerals, of various birth, /Lodge in the fruitful bowels of the earth."

— Bowden, Samuel (fl. 1733-1761)

Date: 1755

Samuel Johnson has a "well-turn'd mind" and a "genius pure, as gold refin'd"

— Derrick, Samuel (1724-1769)

Date: 1757

"His thoughts as silver flow"

— Perronet, Edward (1721-1792)

Date: 1757

"Not sure where found the noble mind: / From vulgar dross and dregs refin'd: / High polish'd--and obdure!"

— Perronet, Edward (1721-1792)

Date: 1757, 1769

"As thus to touch his iron heart they try'd, / The Cyclops smiling, scornful thus reply'd:"

— Wilkie, William (1721-1772)

Date: 1759, performed 1776

"Steel then, ye Powers of heav'n, / Steel my firm soul with your own fortitude, / Free from alloy of passion."

— Mason, William (1725-1797)

Date: 1759

A "steely Heart can brave the boist'rous Seas"

— Grainger, James (1721-1766)

Date: 1759

"For well I know, nor Flint, nor ruthless Steel, / Can arm the Breast of such a gentle Maid."

— Grainger, James (1721-1766)

Date: 1759

"Who was the first that forg'd the deadly Blade? / Of rugged Steel his savage Soul was made."

— Grainger, James (1721-1766)

Date: 1760

"Whene'er he visits us with Racks of Pain, / And speeds the rapid Fever in each Vein, / Our drossy Souls the potent Fire refines,/ Till the bright Ore in polish'd Beauty shines"

— Langhorne,William (1721-1772)