Generosity of Turenne
: Temper.The deputies of a great metropolis in Germany, once
offered the great Turenne one hundred thousand crowns not to pass with his
army through their city. "Gentlemen," said he, "I cannot in conscience
accept your money, as I had no intention to pass that way."
Henderson, the actor, was seldom known to be in a passion. When at Oxford,
he was one day deb
threw a glass of wine in the actor's face; upon which Henderson took out
his handkerchief, wiped his face, and coolly said, "That, sir, was a
digression; now for the argument."
Peter the Great made a law in 1722, that if any nobleman beat or ill-treat
his slaves he should be looked upon as insane, and a guard should be
appointed to take care of his person and his estate. This great monarch
once struck his gardener, who being a man of great sensibility, took to his
bed, and died in a few days. Peter, hearing of this, exclaimed, with tears
in his eyes, "Alas! I have civilized my own subjects; I have conquered
other nations; yet I have not been able to civilize or conquer myself."
Fletcher, of Saltown, is well known to have possessed a most irritable
temper. His footman desired to be dismissed. "Why do you leave me?" said
he. "Because, sir," to speak the truth, "I cannot bear your temper." "To be
sure, I am passionate, but my passion is no sooner on than it is off."
"Yes, sir," replied the servant, "but then it is no sooner off than it is
on."
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Dramatic Effect
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The deputies of a great metropolis in Germany, once offered the great Turenne one hundred thousand crowns not to pass with his army through their city. "Gentlemen," said he, "I cannot in conscience accept your money, as I had no intention to pass that w... George I
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