HEROISM IN PLAIN DRESS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 19, 7 May 1892, Page 485

HEROISM IN PLAIN DRESS.

At one moment in the battle of Waterloo Wellington was left alone, his aides-de-camp having all been sent with messages to different parts of the field. He was sorely in need of a messenger, and looked round anxiously when a gentleman in plain clothes rode up to him, saying, * Can I be of any use, sir ’’ Wellington, looking him over, said, ‘ Yes. Take this note to the commanding officer over there,’ pointing to a part of the field where the battle was hot and fierce. The gentleman at once galloped off, rode through the thick of the tight, and delivered the note. After the battle the Duke made long and anxious inquiry, but he never found out to whom he was indebted for that special service. ‘ I consider it,’ said he, in telling the anecdote to Lord Shaftesbury, ‘ one of the most gallant deeds that ever came under iny notice, for the gentleman who did it could have had no prospect of reward of honour.’ The heed recalls Shakespeare's eulogy on The constant service ot the antioue world. When service sweat for duty, not for meed