WHAT IS A GENTLEMAN?

NZ Truth, Issue 72, 3 November 1906, Page 3

WHAT IS A GENTLEMAN?

What is a Gentleman ? Is it a thing Decked with a scarf-pin, a chain, and a ring. v Dressed m a suit of immaculate style, Sporting an eyeglass, a. lisp, and a smile. , . ; * Talking b*f operas, concerts, and . ' bails, ;■ ,-. ■■■-„■■.■. ;/ ' : \. Evening assemblies and afternoon calls* Sunning himself at "At homes and Bazaars," Whistling mazurkas and smoking cigars ? ; i ! What is a Ctentleman ? Say, is it ■ ■ 'One ■ ' „ . ■ ■ . ■. ■■■• ' ' Boastinpi of conquest and deeds lie . has done, ■■•';.;■ One who, xmblushingly glories to speak : Things which call up a flush to his cheek, ... . . One who whilst railing, at actions un- ' . Just .■■/.:;'■.'. .;•.' '' .- '■■ ■•■ ./■ ; Robs some young heart of its pUreness and trust, Scprns to steal money, or jewels, or 'wealth, Thinks it no crime to take honor by stealth? '

What is a Gentleman ? Is it not one Knowing instinctively what he should shun, Speaking no word that can injure or

pain, Speaking no scandal, and deepening no stain ; > .• One who knows how, to put each at •his ease, Striving instinctively, always to please, One who can tell by a glance at your oheek When to be silent, and when he should speak ?

What is a Gentleman ? Is it not one Honestly eating the bread he has won, Living m uprightness, fearine his God, Leaving no stain on the path he has trc*i, Caring: not if his coat may be old, Prizing sincerity far above gold, Recking not whether his hand may be hard, . Stretching it boldly to grasp its reward? .:.**.

What is a Gentleman ? Say, is it birth Makes a man noble or adds to his

worth ? Is there a family tree to be had, Spreading enough to conceal what is bad : - • Nothing to blush for and nothing 'o hide, Trust m liis character felt f fir "f? wide. Be lie a noble an* be he m tr?»rt<\ Tim is a, QgfltWan Nature has m -cle,