But, as there are women the intensity of whose pure-mindedness, felt in every feature and gesture and word, Paralyses even the most ribald wish to shock or outrage, and momentarily drags up towards themselves the very people who would dearly love to drag them down even for a second; so also it would appear that there are situations so strange, meetings of individuals so exceptional, that calumny itself is unable to attack them.
"The Countess of Albany"
Violet Paget (AKA Vernon Lee)
That is why tragic poets rarely permit a sage to appear on the scene; no drama ever happens among sages, and the presence of the sage Paralyses destiny.
"Life and Writings of Maurice Maeterlinck"
Jethro Bithell
It is this peculiarity of the English temperament which so often Paralyses its victim at the very moment when he needs to be in possession of all his faculties, when the chance, perhaps of a lifetime, suddenly appears at his elbow.
"Command"
William McFee