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)

Date: 1762

"never joy, / Save th' anxious sordid one to view his gold, / Could touch his marble heart"

— Mickle, William Julius [formerly William Meikle] (1734-1788)

Date: 1762

"But as the fire / Refines the silver; so a taste of woe / Awakes the Soul."

— Mickle, William Julius [formerly William Meikle] (1734-1788)

Date: 1762

"To mine the king of Iniscon,' said Connal, 'heart of steel'"

— Ossian; Macpherson, James (1736-1796)