We had many delightful dalliances down the romantic groves of chemistry, heart-to-heart talks on metallurgy, and once- ah, shall I ever forget it- while the dusk gently enfolded us, and I gazed into those bright, speaking, intelligent eyes of his as he bent nearer and nearer; while his low, sonorous voice in well-chosen words pictured to me the promise which fortified cement holds out to the world; that is, ignorant person, Portland cement strengthened by ribs of steel; and I sat listening breathless as his glowing phrases prophesied the future of this combination.
"A Rock in the Baltic"
Robert Barr
"1st of 1st month, 1643. "John Lawrence and Valentine, servants to Mr Malbon, for imbezilling their master's goods, and keeping disorderly night meetings with Will Harding, a lewd and disorderly person, plotting with him to carry their master's daughters to the farmes in the night, concealing divers dalliances; all which they confessed, and were whipped.
"Diary in America, Series One"
Frederick Marryat (AKA Captain Marryat)