But I will not trouble the workers with the
querulousness of old age.
'So much for myself. And let me, as I go, say a parting word to
him with whom in politics I have been for many years more in
accord than with any other leading man. As nothing but age or
infirmity would to my own mind have justified me in retiring, so
do I think that you, who can plead neither age nor infirmity, will
find yourself at last to want self-justification, if you permit
yourself to be driven from the task either by pride or
indifference.
'I should express my feelings better if were I to say by pride and
diffidence. I look to our friendship, to the authority given me by
my age, and to the thorough goodness of your heart for pardon in
thus accusing you. That little men should have ventured to ill-use
you, has hurt your pride. That these little men should have been
able to do so has created your diffidence. Put you to a piece of
work that a man may do, you have less false pride as to the way in
which you may do it than any man I have known; and, let the way be
open to you, as little diffidence as any.
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