The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman

My father put on his spectacles -- looked, -- took them off, -- put them into the case -- all in less than a statutable minute; and without opening his lips, turned about and walked precipitately downstairs: my mother imagined he had stepped down for lint and basilicon; but seeing him return with a couple of folios under his arm, and Obadiah following him with a large reading-desk, she took it for granted 'twas an herbal, and so drew him a chair to the bedside, that he might consult upon the case at his ease.

-- -- If it be but right done, -- said my father, turning to the Section -- de sede vel subjecto circumcisionis, -- -- -for he had brought up Spenser de Legibus Hebreorum Ritualibus -- and Maimonides, in order to confront and examine us altogether.