The borough of Hull, in the reign of Charles II, chose Andrew Marvell, a
young gentleman of little or no fortune, and maintained him in London
for the service of the public. With a view to bribe him, his old
school-fellow, the Lord Treasurer Danby, went to him in his garret. At
parting, the Lord Treasurer slipped into his hands an order upon the
treasury for £1000, and then went into his chariot. Marvell looking at
the paper, called after the treasurer--"My lord, I request another
moment." They went up again to the garret, and the servant boy was
called--"What had I for dinner yesterday?" "Don't you remember, sir, you
had the little shoulder of mutton that you ordered me to bring from a
woman in the market?" "Very right. What have I for dinner today?" "Don't
you know, sir, that you made me lay up the blade-bone to broil?" "'Tis
so; very right. Go away." "My lord, do you hear that? Andrew Marvell's
dinner is provided; there's your piece of paper, I want it not. I knew
the sort of kindness you intended. I live here to serve my constituents.
The ministry may seek men for their purpose; I am not one."
1005
Integrity is to be preferred to eloquence.
--_Aeschines._
1006
The integrity of men is to be measured by their conduct, not by their
professions.
--_Junius._
1007
One of dull intellect cannot come in, nor go away, nor sit, nor rise,
nor stand, like a man of sense.
--_La Bruyere._
1008
God has placed no limits to the exercise of the intellect he has given
us, on this side of the grave.
--_Bacon._
1009
Respect other people's opinions;
Intolerance is usually an index of weakness.
1010
_Irresolution._--Don't stand shivering upon the bank; plunge in at once
and have it over.
--_Haliburton._
J
1011
The wife of a distinguished man when asked where her jewels were,
replied, "my jewels are my children, my husband, and his triumphs."
1012