We may conceive an aristocracy choosing out, and gladly receiving into its own ranks as equals, every youth, every maiden, who was distinguished by intellect, virtue, valour, beauty, without respect to rank or birth; and rejecting in turn, from its own ranks, each of its own children who fell below some lofty standard, and showed by weakliness, dulness, or baseness, incapacity for the post of guiding and elevating their fellow-citizens.
"The Ancien Regime"
Charles Kingsley
Ye, of your strength, have burdened me, upon my weakliness, With burdens not to be endured of mountain nor of plain.
"Tales from the Arabic Volume 3"
John Payne
Persist not on my weakliness with thy disdain nor be Treason and breach of love its troth to thee attributed; For know that hither have I fared and come to this thy land, By hopes of union with thee and near fruition led.
"Tales from the Arabic Volume 3"
John Payne