" Down
went the ship, and down went the heroic band, firing a feu de joie
as they sank beneath the waves. Glory and honour to the gentle and
the brave! The examples of such men never die, but, like their
memories, are immortal.
There are many tests by which a gentleman may be known; but there
is one that never fails--How does he EXERCISE POWER over those
subordinate to him? How does he conduct himself towards women and
children? How does the officer treat his men, the employer his
servants, the master his pupils, and man in every station those who
are weaker than himself? The discretion, forbearance, and
kindliness, with which power in such cases is used, may indeed be
regarded as the crucial test of gentlemanly character. When La
Motte was one day passing through a crowd, he accidentally trod
upon the foot of a young fellow, who forthwith struck him on the
face: "Ah, sire," said La Motte, "you will surely be sorry for
what you have done, when you know that I AM BLIND." He who bullies
those who are not in a position to resist may be a snob, but cannot
be a gentleman. He who tyrannizes over the weak and helpless may
be a coward, but no true man. The tyrant, it has been said, is but
a slave turned inside out. Strength, and the consciousness of
strength, in a right-hearted man, imparts a nobleness to his
character; but he will be most careful how he uses it; for
"It is excellent
To have a giant's strength; but it is tyrannous
To use it like a giant.
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