It is related that an eminent scientist, with his wife and brother, were sailing one moonlight evening on Lake Geneva. It become necessary to climb the mast to adjust a rope, when the boat capsized, and in a moment all three were struggling in the water. The lady, who was an extremely cultivated woman, coolly called to her companions, "I will not take hold of you, but come to me and let me put my hands upon your shoulders." Which they did, and she was bouyed up for half and hour until all were saved. It was her mastery of herself that made it possible for them to rescue her.
by James T. White, "Character Lessons."
