"I will not," said Mr. Adams.
"You should do it," said Jefferson.
"Oh no," repeated Adams.
"Why will you not?" asked Jefferson. "You ought to do it."
"I will not," rejoined Adams.
"Why?" again asked Jefferson.
"Reasons enough," said Adams.
"What can be your reasons?" inquired Jefferson.
"Reason first—you are a Virginian, and a Virginian ought to appear at the head of this business. Reason second—I am obnoxious, suspected, and unpopular. You are very much otherwise. Reason third—you can write ten times better than I can."
"Well," said Jefferson, "if you are decided, I will do as well as I can."