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The Letters of Horace Walpole, Earl of Orford — Volume 1 by Horace Walpole
page 76 of 1175 (06%)
Junius:
I did not intend to make a public declaration of the respect I
bear Lord Chatham. I well knew what unworthy conclusions would
be drawn from it. But I am called upon to deliver my opinion,
and surely it is not in the little censure of Mr. Home to deter
me from doing signal justice to a man who, I confess, has grown
upon my esteem. As for the common, sordid views of avarice, or
any purpose of vulgar ambition, I question whether the applause
of Junius would be of service to Lord Chatham. My vote will
hardly recommend him to an increase of his pension, or to a seat
in the Cabinet. But if his ambition be upon a level with his
understanding; if he judges of what is truly honourable for
himself with the same superior genius which animates and directs
him to eloquence in debate, to wisdom in decision, even the pen
of Junius shall contribute to reward him. Recorded honour shall
gather round his monument, and thicken over him. It is a solid
fabric, and will support the laurels that adorn it. I am not
conversant in the language of panegyric. These praises are
extorted from me; but they will wear well, for they have been
dearly earned.-Vol. ii. p. 310.

WALPOLE.
I did not purpose to tempt again the patience of mankind. But
the case is very different with regard to my trouble. My whole
fortune is from the bounty of the Crown and from the public: it
would ill become me to spare any pains for the King's glory, or
for the honour and satisfaction of my country; and give me leave
to add, my lord, it would be an ungrateful return for the
distinction with which your lordship has condescended to honour
me if I withheld such trifling aid as mine, when it might in the
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