Straining harsh discords and unpleasing sharps.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): Romeo and Juliet. Act iii. Sc. 5.

Who, born for the universe, narrow'd his mind,

And to party gave up what was meant for mankind;

Though fraught with all learning, yet straining his throat

To persuade Tommy Townshend to lend him a vote.

Who too deep for his hearers still went on refining,

And thought of convincing while they thought of dining:

Though equal to all things, for all things unfit;

Too nice for a statesman, too proud for a wit.

Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774): Retaliation. Line 31.

I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,

Straining upon the start.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): King Henry V. Act iii. Sc. 1.