“Be gentle to all, and stern with yourself.”
“For trumpets sterne to chaunge mine Oaten reeds,And sing of Knights and Ladies gentle deeds;”
“Don’t be a hero,” I told him sternly. “Protect yourself.”
“Be gentle with yourself...”
“Drowning yourself won't help, she told herself sternly. Now, drowning Will, on the other hand...”
“Harpernus Stoyan, if you can't behave yourself and go and turn all Roman hands and Russian Fingers under that comforter, you're going to have to sit on the couch," Stephanie snapped, sounding for all the world like a stern schoolteacher.”