In all countries and in all times, the apparition of a comet has been considered as a presage: a presage fortunate or unfortunate according to the circumstances, the popular state of mind, the prevailing degree of superstition, the imbecility of princes, or the calculation of courtiers.

Translated by James Glaisher, The World of Comets, Chapter I, Section I (p. 3), Sampson Low, Marston, Searle & Rivington. 1877