It is a cynical saying that “every man has his price,” but it is
difficult at times to judge what any man might do under stress of
unusual circumstances. An illustration of this point is the following:
A Scots business representative called upon a firm whose
principal desired to make him a Christmas present. The honest
fellow was scandalized. He could not dream of accepting
presents. If such a thing were in the minds of the firm, let
them transfer their favor in the shape of discount to the house
which he represented. They did not mean anything of the sort,
they told him; this was a little matter personal to himself.
He threw back his shoulders; he was not to be bribed. “Oh, but
this is no bribe,” he was answered; “all we propose to do is to
offer you a nice box of cigars, for which you shall give us,
say, sixpence.” The choler of the virtuous one died away. He put
his hand into his pocket and drew forth a coin. “I’m to take a
box and give you sixpence? Well, I havena’ a sixpence. Here’s a
shillin’; I’ll tak’ twa boxes!”
(2498)