A load would sink a navy.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): King Henry VIII. Act iii. Sc. 2.

Better to sink beneath the shock

Than moulder piecemeal on the rock.

Lord Byron 1788-1824: The Giaour. Line 969.

Do well and right, and let the world sink.

George Herbert (1593-1632): Country Parson. Chap. xxix.

But we, who name ourselves its sovereigns, we,

Half dust, half deity, alike unfit

To sink or soar.

Lord Byron 1788-1824: Manfred. Act i. Sc. 2.