John Bartlett (1820–1905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919.
4879 Sydney Smith 1771-1845 John Bartlett
| NUMBER: | 4879 |
| AUTHOR: | Sydney Smith (1771–1845) |
| QUOTATION: | In the midst of this sublime and terrible storm [at Sidmouth], Dame Partington, who lived upon the beach, was seen at the door of her house with mop and pattens, trundling her mop, squeezing out the sea-water, and vigorously pushing away the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic was roused; Mrs. Partington’s spirit was up. But I need not tell you that the contest was unequal; the Atlantic Ocean beat Mrs. Partington. |
| ATTRIBUTION: | Speech at Taunton, 1813. |