Maxims and Opinions of Field-Marshal His Grace the Duke of Wellington, Selected From His Writings and Speeches During a Public Life of More Than Half a Century by Duke of Wellington Arthur Wellesley
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page 55 of 465 (11%)
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opposition. The same sound practical sense which has been already
attributed to him, characterised his whole proceedings. It is needless to particularise the different important debates in which he took part. In August, 1839, a grand banquet was given to the Duke at Dover, as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. A splendid pavilion was erected for the occasion, in which two thousand persons, including some most distinguished men, sat down to dinner. The gallery was filled with ladies. The most interesting point in the day's proceedings, was when Lord Brougham, the most active and distinguished civilian of his age, rose to propose the health of the Duke of Wellington, the most illustrious military commander. Eulogium could scarcely he carried farther than it was by Lord Brougham in these words:-- "Although no man," said the noble and learned lord, "on such an occasion, is entitled to entertain any personal feelings on his own behalf, it would be affectation--it would be insolent ingratitude--were I not to express the sentiments which glow within my bosom, at being made the instrument of making known those feelings which reign predominant in yours. Enough, however, of myself--now for my mighty subject.--But the choice you have made of your instrument--of your organ, as it were, on this occasion--is not unconnected with that subject; for it shows that on this day, on this occasion, all personal, all political feelings are quelled--all strife of party is hushed--that we are incapable, whatever be our opinions, of refusing to acknowledge transcendant merit, and of denying that we feel the irresistible impulse of unbounded gratitude; and I am therefore asked to do this service, as if to show that no difference of opinion upon subjects, however important--no long course of opposition, however contracted upon public principles--not even long inveterate habits of public opposition--are |
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