In the midst of this sublime and terrible storm [at Sidmouth], Dame
Partington, who lived upon the beach, was seen at the door of her
house with mop and pattens, trundling her mop, squeezing out the sea-water,
and vigorously pushing away the Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic was roused;
Mrs. Partington's spirit was up. But I need not tell you that the
contest was unequal; the Atlantic Ocean beat Mrs. Partington.
-- Sydney Smith (1769-1845)
-- Speech at Taunton, 1813