THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON

Evening Star, Issue 11609, 20 June 1902, Page 3

THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON

Tennyson was fond of relating a story of how the Duke of Wellington, when a very old man and President of the Privy Council, once walked np from Downing street, instead of riding, as he usually did. When he came to a point opposite Apsley House the old soldier could not cross the street safely owing to the number of carriages and hansoms that were whirling past. At last a well-dressed man recognised the Duke, and divining his trouble went up to him and said: “Will your grace allow me the honor of escorting you across the road T” “ Thanks,” said the old hero, laconically. This was safely accomplished, and “ Thanks,” said the Duke again. But the patriotic Briton, standing uncovered, said: “ My Lord Duke, this is the proudest moment of my life. I shall tell my children, and they shall tell their children, that I once had the distinguished honor of escorting across the street the hero of Waterloo.” The old Duke, with his aristocratic beak and military whisker, looking down at his effusive friend with his eagle glance, said dryly: “ Now, don’t • make a fool of yourself,” and forthwith vanished.