“Like a pale martyr in his shirt of fire.”
Scene 2.
A Life Drama and other Poems (1853)
Source: Never Let Me Go (2005), Chapter 1, p. 8
“Like a pale martyr in his shirt of fire.”
Scene 2.
A Life Drama and other Poems (1853)
“There was pride in the shirt. There was sweat in the shirt. There was blood in the shirt.”
1-Oct-2005, Radio Derby
A good washing powder was required after the game.
“[When asked if he sees the future with people wearing shirts with his face on it]”
I’d like that, yeah. Teenage girls with my face on their breasts. Is that what you want me to say? [...] I’d like it. Everyone would like it. I think everyone should be made to wear body-suits which are collages of my face.
HermAphroditeZine, Autumn 1999
“I know dead. I've been there, done that and got the freakin' T-shirt.”
Variant: Im not letting my best freind die. been there done that. i got that freakin tshirt
Source: Burned
Instructions to military units (19 October 1935).
My Life and Ethiopia's Progress (1976)
Context: In time of war it suits the enemy to aim his guns at adorned shields, ornaments, silver and gold cloaks, silk shirts and all similar things. Whether one possesses a jacket or not, it is best to wear a narrow-sleeved shirt with faded colours. When we return, with God's help, you can wear your gold and silver decorations then. Now it is time to go and fight. We offer you all these words of advice in the hope that no great harm should befall you through lack of caution. At the same time, We are glad to assure you that in time of war We are ready to shed Our blood in your midst for the sake of Ethiopia's freedom...
Laconics, reported in Bartlett's Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. (1919). Compare: "Like sending them ruffles, when wanting a shirt", Sorbienne (1610–1670); also used in Oliver Goldsmith, The Haunch of Venison.
Source: Brown, Thomas, 1663-1704. Laconics, Or, New Maxims of State And Conversation: Relating to the Affairs And Manners of the Present Times : In Three Parts. London: Printed for Thomas Hodgson ..., 1701. https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015013771368?urlappend=%3Bseq=117