bidding an affectionate farewell to
this august body, under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my
commission and take my leave of the employments of my public life.' To
which the President replied:--

" 'Sir, having defended the standard of liberty in the New World, having
taught a lesson useful to those who inflict and those who feel oppression,
you retire with the blessings of your fellow citizens; though the glory of
your virtues will not terminate with your military command, but will
descend to remotest ages.' "

Which was the most splendid spectacle ever witnessed:--the opening feast of
Prince George in London, or the resignation of Washington? Which is the
noble character for after-ages to admire;--yon fribble dancing in lace and
spangles, or yonder hero who sheathes his sword after a life of spotless
honour, a purity unreproached, a courage indomitable, and a consummate
victory? Which of these is the true gentleman? What is it to be a
gentleman? Is it to have lofty aims, to lead a pure life, to keep your
honour virgin; to have the esteem of your fellow citizens, and the love of
your fireside; to bear good fortune meekly; to suffer evil with constancy;
and through evil or good to maintain truth always? Show me the happy man
whose life exhibits these qualities, and him we will salute as gentleman,
whatever his rank may be; show me the prince who possesses them, and he
may be sure of our love and loyalty. The heart of Britain still beats
kindly for George III,--not because he was wise and just, but because he
was pure in life, honest in intent, and because according to his lights he
worshipped Heaven. I think we acknowledge in the inheritrix of his
sceptre, a wiser rule, and a life as honourable and pure; and I am sure
the future painter of our manners will pay a willing allegiance to that
good life, and be loyal to the memory of that unsullied virtue.

FOOTNOTES

1 The influence of Scott on Thackeray is undoubted and freely
confessed. But I cannot fall in with "certain persons of
distinction" in making _Esmond_ very specially indebted to
_Woodstock_. _Woodstock_ is a very great book in itself and amazing
when one knows its circumstances: but it is, even for Scott, very
specially and exclusively _objective_. _Esmond_ is subjective also
in the highest degree.

2 This form, which he used elsewhere than in the _Biographia
Literaria_, is be