Page:Sketches of the life and character of Patrick Henry.djvu/69

 enecl, and instructive companion; and, next to the governor, regarded him as the highest model of elegance and fashion. An anecdote is related of this gentleman, which displays in a strong and amiable light, the exalted force of his feelings, and the truly noble cast of his man- ners. When col. Washington (the immortal saviour of his country) had closed his career in the French and Indian war, and had become a member of the house of burgesses, the speaker, Robinson, was directed by a vote of the house, to return their thanks to that gentle- man, on behalf of the colony, for the distinguished mili- tary services which he had rendered to his countiy. As soon as col. Washington took his seat, Mr. Robinson, in obedience to this order, and following the impulse of his own generous and grateful heart, discharged the duty, with great dignity; but with such warmth of colouring and strength of expression, as entirely con- founded the young hero. He rose to express his ac- knowledgments for the honour; but such was his trepi- dation and confusion, that he could not give distinct utterance to a single syllable. He blushed, stammered, and trembled, for a second; when the speaker relieved him, by a stroke of address that would have done honour to Louis the XIV. in his proudest and happiest mo- ment.  Sit down, Mr. Washington, said he, Avith a concihating smile; "your modesty is equal to your valour; and that surpasses the power of any language that I possess."*

Peyton Randolph, the king's attorney general, held the next rank to the speaker. He was not distinguished for eloquence; but he derived gi'eat weight from the solid powers of his understanding, and the no less solid


 * On the authority of Edmund Randolph.

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