Major Mc Rocket. An' a lasting monument it is, Colonel.
Col. Shell. Yet this, great as it is, is only a part of the good he has done to the army.
Capt. Killdragon. I, as an individual, can bear testimony of his paternal kindness. You all know I was cashiered on account of that cowardly dragoon, who first insulted me (then a mere boy), and afterwards refused to give satisfaction. I applied to the Duke, and presented the memorial myself. When the Aid-de-camp bowed me in, “Ensign Killdragon,” my heart was in my mouth—I didn't know whether I was on my head or my heels; but when I saw the fine, smiling, good-natured GENTLEMAN, standing with his back to the fire, as careless as if he had been only a head clerk, I was relieved from my fears. I gave the paper into his own hands, and he, in the kindest manner, told me he would read the proceedings of the court martial, desiring me to call on the following levee-day. I did: he had read the proceedings, and asked me several questions relating to the matter. At length he said, “You shall have an answer.” I withdrew, delighted with the affability of the Royal Duke, at the same time doubtful of success; “but,” thought I, “if I am refused, it will be like a gentleman.” I got a letter in four days after, informing me that I was reinstated. 'Faith! I drank a bottle to the Duke's health that night, and now I'll drink another to his memory.
Col. Shell. This is only one in thousands of instances. Whenever he could grant a request, consistent with his duty, he did so.
Major Mc Rocket. The Duke o' Wellington has noo got the command, an' I have nae doobt that he'll gi'e us a' satisfaction. The army is a wee bit afraid o' him, because he is sic a disciplinarian, but in my opinion that's a' for the better; an' I'll wager ony mon in England a dozen o' claret, that the Duke will be as gude an officer at the heed o' the army as he was afore. Ye see he hasn't changed a single man in the office; but has already done a gude thing for the country, in uniting the Ordnance Department to his ain.
Capt. Ball. There is none like him; he is a good soldier, a prudent general, and a kind man. He was strict and severe while in the Peninsula, but he could have done nothing had he not been so; not only his own private interests, but his country's hopes and glory, depended upon his success. Gentlemen, I'll give you “The Duke of Wellington and the Army.”
[This toast was drunk standing, and with “three times three,” and the band played “Rule Britannia” in the finest style.]
Capt. Killdragon. By Gad! Wellington is the boy that made work-men of us at any rate.
Major Mc Rocket. Yir nae far oot there, Killdragon; an' if we tak the field again, I hope he'll gang wi' us.
Major Swordly. Mr. President, the paymaster on your right there, is neglecting his accounts very much:—bring him to book, and send the decanter this way.