“ There are some dangers which when they are braved, disappear, and which yet, when there is an obvious and apparent dread of them displayed, become certain and inevitable. ”
Walter Scott, Quentin Durward (1823). copy citation
| Author | Walter Scott |
|---|---|
| Source | Quentin Durward |
| Topic | bravery danger |
| Date | 1823 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | https://www.gutenberg.org/files/7853/7853-h/7853-h.htm |
Context
“«I would only presume to say,» replied Quentin, «that your Majesty having occasion to distrust this Burgundian, I marvel that you suffer him to approach so near your person, and that in privacy.»
«Oh, content you, Sir Squire,» said the King. «There are some dangers which when they are braved, disappear, and which yet, when there is an obvious and apparent dread of them displayed, become certain and inevitable. When I walk boldly up to a surly mastiff, and caress him, it is ten to one I soothe him to good temper; if I show fear of him, he flies on me and rends me. I will be thus far frank with thee.—It concerns me nearly that this man returns not to his headlong master in a resentful humour.” source
«Oh, content you, Sir Squire,» said the King. «There are some dangers which when they are braved, disappear, and which yet, when there is an obvious and apparent dread of them displayed, become certain and inevitable. When I walk boldly up to a surly mastiff, and caress him, it is ten to one I soothe him to good temper; if I show fear of him, he flies on me and rends me. I will be thus far frank with thee.—It concerns me nearly that this man returns not to his headlong master in a resentful humour.” source
Meaning and analysis
