promptitude

• “To accomplish his design without delay – for promptitude is the earnest of success – and to avoid a surprise from the English lieutenant at Bothwell (who, hearing of the recontre before the castle, might choose to demand his men's prisoner), Murray determined to take Ker with him; and, disguised as peasants, as soon as darkness should shroud their movements, proceed to Drumshargard.”

  The Scottish Chiefs

• “His object was, by promptitude, which is ever the companion of victory, to anticipate the preparations of Nayan, and, by falling upon him while single, destroy his power with more certainty and effect than after he should have been joined by Kaidu.”

  The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 06 (From Barbarossa to Dante)

• “Look alive, lads!" is the only word uttered, and the helmeted heroes, knowing their work well, go into action with that cool promptitude which is more than half the battle in attacking the most desperate odds or the fiercest foe.”

  Life in the Red Brigade London Fire Brigade

• “Bladud received his orders in silence, and obeyed them with that unquestioning and unhesitating promptitude which is one of the surest evidences of fitness to command.”

  The Hot Swamp

• “Something in the water," cried Jack Shales, hastily catching up a coil of rope and throwing it overboard with that promptitude which is peculiar to seamen.”

  The Floating Light of the Goodwin Sands

• “Have a drink," I said, with promptitude, after the pause which I had learned good form in drinking dictates.”

  Chapter 10

• “Next came a promptitude of bellowed orders, and all the watch was slacking away after braces to starboard and pulling on after braces to port.”

  CHAPTER XVIII

• “Legislative Waste John C. Goodman's "How Seniors Will Pay for ObamaCare" (op-ed, Sept. 23) on the unexpected costs of ObamaCare (seniors losing part of their health-insurance benefits here, small businesses burdened with greater regulatory costs there, etc.) reminds me of Alexander Hamilton's dictum: "In the legislature, promptitude of decision is oftener an evil than a benefit.”

  The Wall Street Journal: Haste Often Means

• “Suffolk is a rich, respectable, and enlightened county, and will answer this appeal, there is no doubt, with ardour and promptitude: and it is hoped, that the example will be followed by all lovers of nature and genius. ”

  Letter 302

• ““Now I hope,” he said, “that there will not be the slightest difference of opinion, but the utmost unanimity and promptitude of action in repelling invasion.””

  Simon & Schuster: A Country of Vast Designs

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