Date: 1775

"Need we the influence of the northern star / To string our nerves and steel our hearts to war? "

— Gray, Thomas (1716-1771)

Date: 1786

"'While in his Breast he bears, to Fear unknown, / 'A rigid Heart of Iron or of Stone!"

— Polwhele, Richard (1760-1838); Moschus

Date: 1786

"With Iron Bosom, tho' the Beast he slew, / The Charms of melting Love Alcides knew!"

— Polwhele, Richard (1760-1838); Moschus

Date: 1786

Friendship " bade my stubborn Bosom feel, / And soften'd thus a Heart of Steel!"

— Polwhele, Richard (1760-1838); Moschus

Date: 1787

"For scenes that frequent shapes of Death impart / Arm the firm breast, and steel the manly heart"

— Pye, Henry James (1745-1813)