But whether in adopting this measure we are madly active or weakly passive or pusillanimously panic-struck, the effects will be the same.
"The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. V. (of 12)"
Edmund Burke
The prompt action of the Executive Department, through its Attorney-General, in directing the marshal to afford all necessary protection against threatened danger, undoubtedly saved a justice of the Supreme Court from assassination, and the Government from the disgrace of having pusillanimously looked on while the deed was done.
"Personal Reminiscences of Early Days in California with Other Sketches; To Which Is Added the Story of His Attempted Assassination by a Former Associate on the Supreme Bench of the State"
Stephen Field; George C. Gorham
I was tormented by the delusion that I had behaved pusillanimously.
"The Adventures of Harry Richmond, Complete"
George Meredith Last Updated: March 7, 2009