The life that I have chosen gives me my full hours of enjoyment for the balance of my life. The sun will not rise, or set, without my notice, and thanks.

-Homer,Winslow
  Letter to his brother, Charles, 23 Feb.

Is not a Patron, my lord, one who looks with unconcern ona manstruggling for life inthewater, and,whenhehas reached ground, encumbers him with help? The notice which you have been pleased to take of my labours, had it been early, had been kind; but it has been delayed till I am indifferent, and cannot enjoy it; till I am solitary, and cannot impart it; till I am known, and do not want it.

-Johnson, Samuel known as Dr Johnson
  Letter to Lord Chesterfield,7 Feb. Quoted in  James Boswell The Life of Samuel Johnson (1791), vol.1.

Over the piano was printed a notice: 'Please do not shoot the pianist. He is doing his best.'

-Wilde, Oscar Fingal O'FlahertieWills
  Impressions of America: Leadville.

I have at last come to a momentous decision. I am going to give up my press-clippings agency. I find that even a Wolf favourablenoticemakesmefeelsick nowadays,whilean unfavourable one, even from a small provincial newspaper, puts me off my work for days.

-Plum
  Letter to Denis Mackail,15 Oct.