I tried for a prize of 100 pounds offered by The Sydney Mail with a novel called "Handfasted," but was not successful, for the judge feared that it was calculated to loosen the marriage tie-it was too socialistic and consequently dangerous.
"An Autobiography"
Catherine Helen Spence
Under the shimmering trees there walked mothers, whose children dragged at their skirts to make them look; Handfasted lovers were there; a lad teased a lass; a girl hunched her shoulder to provoke more teasing.
"Little Novels of Italy Madonna Of The Peach-Tree, Ippolita In The Hills, The Duchess Of Nona, Messer Cino And The Live Coal, The Judgment Of Borso"
Maurice Henry Hewlett
McClure knew that he was in danger anywhere west of the Cree, but the danger increased as he went westwards, and in his own parish of Stonykirk there were at least a score of young blades who would have taken his life with as little thought as they would have blooded a pig-aye, and had sworn so to do, Handfasted upon it, kissing alternately Bible and cold steel.
"Patsy"
S. R. Crockett