Inspired by her, the Laird
of Balmawhapple, now superior to the nods and winks with which the Baron
of Bradwardine, in delicacy to Edward, had hitherto checked his entering
upon political discussion, demanded a bumper, with the lungs of a
Stentor, 'to the little gentleman in black velvet who did such service
in 1702, and may the white horse break his neck over a mound of his
making!'
Edward was not at that moment clear-headed enough to remember that King
William's fall, which occasioned his death, was said to be owing to his
horse stumbling at a mole-hill; yet felt inclined to take umbrage at a
toast, which seemed, from the glance of Balmawhapple's eye, to have a
peculiar and uncivil reference to the Government which he served.
But, ere he could interfere, the Baron of Bradwardine had taken up the
quarrel. 'Sir,' he said, 'whatever my sentiments, TANQUAM PRIVATUS, may
be in such matters, I shall not tamely endure your saying anything that
may impinge upon the honourable feelings of a gentleman under my roof.
Sir, if you have no respect for the laws of urbanity, do ye not respect
the military oath, the SACRAMENTUM MILITARE, by which every officer is
bound to the standards under which he is enrolled? Look at Titus Livius,
what he says of those Roman soldiers who were so unhappy as EXUERE
SACRAMENTUM,--to renounce their legionary oath; but you are ignorant,
sir, alike of ancient history and modern courtesy.
Pages:
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123