Man is but mortal; and there is a point beyond which human courage cannot extend.
 Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers (1836). copy citation

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Author Charles Dickens
Source The Pickwick Papers
Topic courage
Date 1836
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/580/580-h/580-h.htm

Context

“the hoarse shout of the word of command ran along it, and before either of the party could form a guess at the meaning of this new manoeuvre, the whole of the half-dozen regiments, with fixed bayonets, charged at double-quick time down upon the very spot on which Mr. Pickwick and his friends were stationed. Man is but mortal; and there is a point beyond which human courage cannot extend. Mr. Pickwick gazed through his spectacles for an instant on the advancing mass, and then fairly turned his back and—we will not say fled; firstly, because it is an ignoble term, and, secondly, because Mr.” source