Gentleness shown once is mercy, shown twice is folly.

“The crew were all of them inclined to cough and sneeze, the boys particularly, …”

“If you will pardon my saying so," Tharkay said, "you will never satisfy them on…”

“Temeraire--Never fear; I am going; the Son of Heaven will not tolerate delays, …”

“Would you believe it's harder to find a virgin than a unicorn in New York?”