But whether it be that small things make mean men proud, and vanity catches small occasions; or that all contrariety of opinion, even in those that can defend it no longer, makes proud men angry; there is often found in commentaries a spontaneous strain of invective and contempt, more eager and venomous than is vented by the most furious Controvertist in politicks against those whom he is hired to defame.
"Eighteenth Century Essays on Shakespeare"
D. Nichol Smith
Their manners were somewhat coarse, but their conversation was instructive, and their disputations acute, though sometimes too violent, and often continued till neither Controvertist remembered upon what question he began.
"Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia"
Samuel Johnson