In fact I am inclined to think that I am morbidly sensitive on the last point; and so, instead of acting on my own impulse, as I have been tempted to do, I submit myself to your worship's wisdom.
I am not sure that I should not have been wiser if I had stuck to my original intention of holding office only till St. Andrew's Day.
Ever yours very faithfully,
T.H. Huxley.
Secretary of State, Home Department, October 3, 1883.
My dear Foster,
There was an Irish bricklayer who once bet a hodman he would not carry him up to the top of an exceeding high ladder in his hod. The hod man did it, but Paddy said, "I had great hopes, now, ye'd let me fall just about six rounds from the top."
I told the story before when I was up for the School Board, but it is so applicable to the present case that I can't help coming out with it again.
If you, dear good hodmen, would have but let me fall!
However, as the thing is to be, it is very pleasant to find Evans and
Williamson and you so hearty in the process of elevation, and in spite
of blue-devils I will do my best to "do my duty in the state of life
I'm called to."