There are few countenances in the world, that if wishing to convey an idea of, we cannot refer to some well-known standard; and thus nothing is more common than to hear comparisons with "Vulcan-Venus-Nicodemus," and the like; but in the present case, I am totally at a loss for any thing resembling the face of the worth Mrs. Healy, except it be, perhaps, that most ancient and sour visage we used to see upon old circular iron rappers formerly-they make none of them now-the only difference being, that Mrs. Healy's nose had no ring through it; I am almost tempted to add, "more's the pity."
"The Confessions of Harry Lorrequer, Complete"
Charles James Lever (1806-1872)
Admittin all you say abowt the doctrin to be troo, I must say the reglar perfessional Sperrit rappers-them as makes a biznis on it-air abowt the most ornery set of cusses I ever enkountered in my life.
"The Complete Works of Artemus Ward, Part 1"
Charles Farrar Browne
They was likewise spirit rappers and high presher reformers on gineral principles.
"The Complete Works of Artemus Ward, Part 1"
Charles Farrar Browne