proposed to be given him
by the Directors of the East India Company on the conquest of
Mysore. "It is not necessary," said he, "for me to allude to the
independence of my character, and the proper dignity attaching to
my office; other reasons besides these important considerations
lead me to decline this testimony, which is not suitable to me. I
THINK OF NOTHING BUT OUR ARMY. I should be much distressed to
curtail the share of those brave soldiers." And the Marquis's
resolution to refuse the present remained unalterable.
Sir Charles Napier exhibited the same noble self-denial in the
course of his Indian career. He rejected all the costly gifts
which barbaric princes were ready to lay at his feet, and said with
truth, "Certainly I could have got 30,000l. since my coming to
Scinde, but my hands do not want washing yet. Our dear father's
sword which I wore in both battles (Meanee and Hyderabad) is
unstained."
Riches and rank have no necessary connexion with genuine
gentlemanly qualities. The poor man may be a true gentleman,--in
spirit and in daily life. He may be honest, truthful, upright,
polite, temperate, courageous, self-respecting, and self-helping,--
that is, be a true gentleman. The poor man with a rich spirit is
in all ways superior to the rich man with a poor spirit.
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