"When struck by a thunderbolt it is unnecessary to consult the Book of Dates as to the precise meaning of the omen."

"Although there exist many thousand subjects for elegant conversation, there are persons who cannot meet a cripple wit…"

"When Ling was communicating to any person the signs by which messengers might find him, he was compelled to add, "the…"

"Before hastening to secure a possible reward of five taels by dragging an unobservant person away from a falling buil…"

"In his countenance this person read an expression of no-encouragement towards his venture."

"Should a person on returning from the city discover his house to be in flames, let him examine well the change which …"

"At the mention of the name and offence of this degraded being a great sound went up from the entire multitude – a uni…"

"Alas! It is well written, "The road to eminence lies through the cheap and exceedingly uninviting eating-houses.""

"At this display the elder and less attractive of the maidens fled, uttering loud and continuous cries of apprehension…"

"It is a mark of insincerity of purpose to spend one's time in looking for the sacred Emperor in the low-class tea-shops."