The other shape,

If shape it might be call'd that shape had none

Distinguishable in member, joint, or limb;

Or substance might be call'd that shadow seem'd,

For each seem'd either,—black it stood as night,

Fierce as ten furies, terrible as hell,

And shook a dreadful dart; what seem'd his head

The likeness of a kingly crown had on.

Satan was now at hand.

John Milton (1608-1674): Paradise Lost. Book ii. Line 666.

Nothing can cover his high fame but heaven;

No pyramids set off his memories,

But the eternal substance of his greatness,—

To which I leave him.

Beaumont And Fletcher: The False One. Act ii. Sc. 1.

By the apostle Paul, shadows to-night

Have struck more terror to the soul of Richard

Than can the substance of ten thousand soldiers.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): King Richard III. Act v. Sc. 3.

Envy will merit as its shade pursue,

But like a shadow proves the substance true.

Alexander Pope (1688-1744): Essay on Criticism. Part ii. Line 266.