Page:Passages from the Life of a Philosopher.djvu/384

368 some great man, a prime minister for instance, were smashed. I then continued, "Perhaps a bishop or two would do; for you know," said I, looking slyly at my friend, "they are so much better prepared for the change than we are."

I have heard this view of the subject assigned to Sydney Smith. It is very probable that it should have occurred to him, although I scarcely imagine he would have given the reason I did for the preference. His celebrated suggestion to the person who asked him how a man could find which way the wind blew when there was no weathercock in sight, adds to the probability of Sydney Smith's originality. On the other hand, I may support my own pretensions to independent invention by referring to a parallel remark I made many years before:—

At a large dinner party the subject of duelling was discussed. Various opinions were propounded as to its absolute necessity. I had made no remark upon the question, but during a slight pause somebody on the opposite side of the table asked my opinion on the subject. My reply was, I always wished that the injured man should fall. On being asked my reason for that wish, I answered, "Because he is so much better prepared for the change than the wrong-doer." I afterwards learned, with great satisfaction, that when the ladies retired to the drawing-room, the discussion was much criticized and my reply highly applauded.

The late Lady M.........., having a great desire to see Mr. Borrow, asked me to invite him to one of my Saturday evening parties. I expressed my regret that, not having the pleasure of his acquaintance, I was unable to ask him to my house, as I never made "lions" of my guests.

A short time after, a friend who was coming to me on the