It is a matter on which
you should be bound by our opinion rather than by your own.
'As to that matter of duty, I shall have less difficulty in
carrying you with me. Though this renewed task may be personally
disagreeable to you, even though your tastes should lead you to
some other life,--which I think is not the case,--still if your
country wants you, you should serve your country. It is a work as
to which such a one as you has no option. Of most of those who
choose public life,--it may be said that were they not there, there
would be others as serviceable. But when a man such as you, has
shown himself to be necessary, as long as health and age permit,
he cannot recede without breach of manifest duty. The work to be
done is so important, the numbers to be benefited are so great,
that he cannot be justified in even remembering that he has a
self.
'As I have said before, I trust that my own age and your goodness
will induce you to pardon this great interference. But whether
pardoned or not I shall always be
'Your most affectionate friend,
'ST BUNGAY.
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