James Drummond, in “Parables and Pictures,” says:
We have heard of a battle against cannibals gained by the use of
tacks. They had taken possession of a whaling vessel and bound
the man who was left in care of it. The crew, on returning, saw
the situation, and scattered tacks upon the deck of the vessel,
which penetrated the bare feet of the savages, and sent them
howling into the sea. They were ready to meet lance and sword,
but they could not overcome the tacks on the floor. We brace
ourselves up against great calamities. The little tacks of life,
scattered along our way, are hard to bear.
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