| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Keep your Powder Dry. | | |
|
Keep prepared for action; keep your courage up. | 1 |
| |
| “Go forth and conquer, Strephon mine, |
| This kiss upon your lips retaining; |
| A precept that is also thine |
| Forbids the teardrop hot and straining. |
| We’re Mars and Venus, you and I, |
| And both must ‘keep our powder dry.’” | |
|
| |
Sims: Dagonet Ballads (In Love and War). |
|
| |
|
|
