What he says of the Sibyl's prophecies may be as properly applied to every word of his: they must be read in order as they lie; the least breath discomposes them and somewhat of their divinity is lost.
"Early Theories of Translation"
Flora Ross Amos
"If I have not answered you as I should," I continued, "you must attribute it partly to the storm, which I confess rather discomposes my ideas; and partly to a little surprise-a very foolish surprise, I own-that you should still be able to feel so strong a sympathy with interests which are generally only considered of importance to the young."
"Basil"
Wilkie Collins
I protest I despair of ever teaching that girl to laugh; she has something so execrably natural in her laugh, that I declare it absolutely discomposes my nerves.
"The Contrast"
Royall Tyler