In such a raging of the elements, it seems as if the whole world were going to pieces, or as if the earth's steadfastness were growing 'unfirm.'

To shrink from the task would prove me cowardly and unfirm.

"The sway of earth shook like a thing unfirm," thousands of houses crumbled to their base, tens of thousands of human beings were buried beneath ruins, or engulfed by the gaping ground.

For, boy, however we do praise ourselves, Our fancies are more giddy and unfirm, More longing, wavering, sooner lost and worn.

The next moment he repeats this:   "For, boy, however we do praise ourselves,   Our fancies are more giddy and unfirm,   More longing, wavering, sooner lost and won,   Than women's are."