A.P. Herbert's [1890–1971] line: "This last argument is like the thirteenth stroke of the clock: clearly wrong, and casting doubt on the preceding twelve."

Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) :
"This supreme instance of Troy's goodness fell upon Gabriel's ears like the thirteenth stroke of a crazy clock. It was not only received with utter incredulity as regarded itself, but threw a doubt on all the assurances that had preceded it." Far from the Madding Crowd, Chap. 29

"It is more trouble to make a maxim than it is to do right." -Mark Twain