Billing and cooing to me is worse to witness an execution.

When once a decision is reached and execution is the order of the day, dismiss absolutely all responsibility and care about the outcome

The country is in an extraordinary ferment.

I am naturally taciturn, and became a silent and attentive listener.

The proverb answers where the sermon fails, as a well-charged pistol will do more execution than a whole barrel of gunpowder idly exploded in the air

A hat not much the worse for wear.