Weakened by the strains of sailing in a severe gale and, no doubt, by the accumulated bangings and endless slattings of the previous year's ocean calms, the top batten had fractured, creating an ineffective and unsightly deep V shape in the top sail panel.

The fourth horse was covered with cuirbouly (leather), and over it a rich cloth of gold.

We suspect that the pressures present due to high expectations for minority presidents may lead to a superminority syndrome -- a condition conducive to fatigue and over-commitment.

tug on the rope; push hard on the door