VOUCHED FOR BY THE DUKE.

Bruce Herald, Volume LI, Issue 68, 2 September 1915, Page 4

VOUCHED FOR BY THE DUKE.

Facts have wrecked many a, reputation, but there have been some reputations that were too strong for facts. The following story, told of the Duke of Wellington when he had run to seed, indicates that the veteran's strengtn of mind did not falter at ordinary obstacles:

"The Duke, when he was very old, and incredibly distinguished, was telling how once at mess in the Peninsula his, servant had opened a bottle of port and inside found a. rat. 'lt must have been a very large bottle,' remarked the subaltern. The Duke fixed him with his eye. 'lt was a damned small bottle.' 'Oh,' said the subaltern, abashed, 'then' no doubt it was a very small rat.' 'lt was a dawned large rat,' said the Duke. And there the matter has rested ever since."