Careful Words

presence (n.)

Her beauty makes

This vault a feasting presence full of light.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Romeo and Juliet, Act v. Sc. 3.

Lord of thy presence and no land beside.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): King John. Act i. Sc. 1.

Be somewhat scanter of your maiden presence.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Hamlet. Act i. Sc. 3.

I come not

To hear such flattery now, and in my presence.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): King Henry VIII. Act v. Sc. 3.

  Your absence of mind we have borne, till your presence of body came to be called in question by it.

Charles Lamb (1775-1834): Amicus Redivivus.

  Take care and say this with presence of mind.

Terence (185-159 b c): Eunuchus. Act iv. Sc. 6, 31. (769.)

The Lord my pasture shall prepare,

And feed me with a shepherd's care;

His presence shall my wants supply,

And guard me with a watchful eye.

Joseph Addison (1672-1719): Spectator. No. 444.

Pernicious weed! whose scent the fair annoys,

Unfriendly to society's chief joys:

Thy worst effect is banishing for hours

The sex whose presence civilizes ours.

William Cowper (1731-1800): Conversation. Line 251.