Grocott & Ward, comps. Grocott’s Familiar Quotations, 6th ed. 189-?.
Shaft
In my school-days, when I had lost one shaft,
I shot his fellow of the self-same flight,
The self-same way, with more advised watch,
To find the other forth; and by adventuring both
I oft found both.
Shakespeare.—Merchant of Venice, Act I. Scene 1. (Bassanio to Antonio.)
O! many a shaft, at random sent,
Finds mark the archer little meant!
And many a word, at random spoken,
May soothe or wound a heart that’s broken!
Scott.—Lord of the Isles, Canto V. Verse 18.
’Tis a word that’s quickly spoken,
Which, being restrain’d, a heart is broken.
Beaumont and Fletcher.—The Spanish Curate, Act II. Scene 5.
Who for the poor renown of being smart,
Would leave a sting within a brother’s heart.
Dr. Young.—Satire II. Line 113.