Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 18.djvu/29

Rh vous? Why do not you despatch me ?" The noble duke made this memorable answer, "Ce n'est pas l'affair des honêtes gens; c'est l'affair d'un autre. It is not the work of gentlemen; it is the work of others."

Let us turn our eyes from so detestable an object, to another not less surprising, though of a quite different kind; where we shall behold a gentleman, arrived by long practice to that difficult attainment of possessing his soul in all conditions, in all accidents, whether of life or death, with moderation. This is the man that may truly be said to know himself, whom even assassination cannot surprise; to whom the passions are in such obedience, they never contend for sway, nor attempt to throw him from his guard. Mr. Harley, falling back in his chair by the redoubled stroke that was given him, and seeing them busy about taking Guiscard, by whom he imagined himself killed, did not call or cry for help; but, getting up as well as he could of himself, applied his handkerchief to the wound, to stop the bloody and keep out the air, walking about the room till they