ready-witted

But his apprehensions were those of a brave, ready-witted man, who, even in the extremity of danger, which appeared to surround him, preserved his presence of mind.

Anne of Geierstein 2008

“What choice have we?” said the ready-witted maiden,

The Abbot 2008

Being, however, both ready-witted and chivalrous, he perceived that this was no time for idle speculation.

Kindle-licious on Wodehouse’s Psmith: Love is an Umbrella | Spontaneous ∂erivation 2008

And ready-witted Prometheus he bound with inextricable bonds, cruel chains, and drove a shaft through his middle, and set on him a long-winged eagle, which used to eat his immortal liver; but by night the liver grew as much again everyway as the long-winged bird devoured in the whole day.

Hesiod, Homeric Hymns, and Homerica 2007

Varney was as bold-faced and ready-witted as he was cunning and unscrupulous — a skilful pilot in extremity, and fully conscious of the advantages which he would obtain could he extricate Leicester from his present peril, and of the ruin that yawned for himself should he fail in doing so.

Kenilworth 2004

But he was beautiful to lock at, ready-witted, and intelligent.

The Way We Live Now 2004

She was ready-witted, too, prompt in action, gifted with a certain fire.

Framley Parsonage 2004

But he had won for himself reputation as a clever speaker, as a man who had learned much that college tutors do not profess to teach, as a hard-headed, ready-witted fellow, who, having the world as an oyster before him, which it was necessary that he should open, would certainly find either a knife or a sword with which to open it.

He Knew He Was Right 2004

“Something of a fainting fit,” answered the ready-witted

Kenilworth 2004

Tressilian looked out, and, from the appearance of the ground behind the hillock, believed it might be as the boy said, and accordingly determined to strike up a peace with so light-footed and ready-witted an enemy.

Kenilworth 2004