A shadow crept over his mind, and although in his preoccupation he failed to observe the fact, it corresponded with the coming of an ominous cloud over the hill crest above and behind him; for we are but human lutes upon which nature plays at will, now softly and gently, now sounding chords of gladness, now touching to deep melancholy and the grandeur of despair.
"The Orchard of Tears"
Sax Rohmer
Then there arose the rippling of lutes from the ladies in the next room, in slow swaying measure, with the gentle tap of a drum now and again; and the pavane began-a stately dignified dance; and among all the ladies moved the great Queen herself, swaying and bending with much grace and dignity.
"By What Authority?"
Robert Hugh Benson
Instead of the angels swinging their censers which the painter of San Marco so lovingly drew, Giovanni's angels are little human boys, with grave sweet faces; happy children with a look of heaven in their eyes, as they play on their little lutes and mandolines.
"Knights of Art Stories of the Italian Painters"
Amy Steedman