On the second day of her hunting, as she was returning from the chase, and was arrived within a little distance from Mr Western’s house, her horse, whose mettlesome spirit required a better rider, fell suddenly to prancing & capering in such a manner that she was in the most imminent peril of falling.
Tom Jones, who was at a little distance behind, saw this, and immediately galloped up to her assistance.
As soon as he came up, he leapt from his own horse, and caught hold of hers by the bridle.
The unruly beast presently reared himself an end on his hind legs, and threw his lovely burthen from his back, and Jones caught her in his arms.
The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding (1749)
A pretty name as one would wish to read, must perch harmonious on my tuneful quill.
There’s music in the sighing of a reed; there’s music in the gushing of a rill; there’s music in all things, if men had ears: their Earth is but an echo of the spheres.
Though tonight she’s made me sad If I find her I’ll be glad I still love her
I don’t wanna spoil the party so I’ll go I would hate my disappointment to show There’s nothing for me here so I will disappear If she turns up while I’m gone please let me know
There’s no fun in what I do if she’s not there But I think I’ll take a walk and look for her
I Don’t Want to Spoil the Party by The Beatles (1964)
Methinks we have hugely mistaken this matter of Life and Death. Methinks that what they call my shadow here on earth is my true substance. Methinks that in looking at things spiritual, we are too much like oysters observing the sun through the water, and thinking that thick water the thinnest of air. Methinks my body is but the lees of my better being. In fact take my body who will, take it I say, it is not me.
Chapter 3 – The Chapel, Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Singer: Is there anything you’ve been able to draw upon, David? Is there comfort in the past?
Milch: I feel the past falling away and the attachments of regret for what wasn’t done or was done badly or was done without sufficient sympathy, and it was for that reason that our granddaughter’s visit was such a redemptive and compelling occurrence. Everything is an adventure for her and a delight and a surprise, an opening up, and that’s a big gratification.
Singer: I’ve never thought of you as a sentimental person, but maybe I misread that. How would you characterize yourself?
Milch: As an unsentimental person.
–David Milch’s Third Act by Mark Singer (New Yorker May 20, 2019)