On the arms of the Prince of Wales are the words _Ich dien_--"I serve."
Thus he who stands next to the English king expresses in terms of service
that gentle and knightly rank which is typified by his high position.
Speaking to a New York audience a few weeks ago, Mark Twain made passing
reference to the communications which he receives from strangers who ask
for his counsel or advice. "Here is such a request," he said. "It is a
telegram from Joplin, Missouri, and it reads: 'In what one of your books
can we find the definition of a gentleman?' I have not answered that
telegram," he continued. "I couldn't. It seems to me that if any man has
just, merciful, and kindly instincts, he will be a gentleman, for he will
need nothing else in this world."
Taking from his pocket a letter from William Dean Howells, the speaker
went on:
"I received the other day a letter from my old friend,
William Dean Howells--Howells, the head of American
literature. No one is able to stand with him. He is an old,
old friend of mine, and he writes me: 'To-morrow I shall be
sixty-nine years old.' Why, I am surprised at Howells
writing that. I have known him longer than that. I'm sorry
to see a man trying to appear so young. Let's see, Howells
says now, 'I see you have been burying Patrick. I suppose he
was old, too.'"
There was silence. For a short time the great humorist and humanitarian
stood there apparently oblivious to his audience, reminiscence working in
his heart. Then, with spontaneous eloquence, he delivered the following
noble tribute, which must rank among the loftier expressions of
democracy--Mark Twain's conception of an ideal gentleman:
"No, he was never old--Patrick. He came to us thirty-six years ago. He was
my coachman on the morning that I drove my young bride to our new home. He
was a young Irishman, slender, tall, lithe, honest, truthful, and he never
changed in all his life. As the children grew up he was their guide. He
was all honor, honesty, and affection. He was with us last summer, and his
hair was just as black, his eyes were just as blue, his form just as
straight, and his heart just as good as on the day we first met. In all
the long years Patrick never made a mistake. He never needed an order; he
never received a command. He knew. I have been asked for my idea of an
ideal gentleman, and I give it to you--Patrick McAleer."