All happiness dwells more in the hope than the possession; and at that moment I dare be sworn that Uncle Jack felt a livelier rapture circum proecordia, warming his entrails, and diffusing throughout his whole frame of five feet eight the prophetic glow of the Magna diva Moneta, than if he had enjoyed for ten years the actual possession of King Croesus's privy purse.
"The Caxtons, Part 2"
Edward Bulwer-Lytton
When a rapt audience has encored 'Fra Poco' Or 'Casta diva,' I have heard that then The Prima Donna, smiling herself out, Recruits her flagging powers with bottled stout.
"Verses and Translations"
C. S. C.
In the first place, people know that you are thought to be the best amateur singer in Paris-'La diva du Monde'-besides being a favorite in Parisian society, and that you have not only a beautiful voice, but also that you have beautiful toilettes.
"In the Courts of Memory 1858-1875."
L. de Hegermann-Lindencrone