This The Baron Did Not Fail To Communicate Immediately To Horatio, Who,
Charm'd With The Generosity Both Of The One And The Other, Broke Out
Into The Utmost Encomiums Of That Nation:
- Sure, said he, the French are
a people born to inspire and instruct virtue and benevolence to all the
kingdoms in the world!
After the first raptures of his gratitude were
over, being pressed by the baron to let him know which of the prince's
offers he would chuse to accept; alas! replied he, this is a kind of an
unfortunate dilemma I am in; - my inclinations are for the army, and it
would be the height of my ambition to serve under such generals as the
French; but it would be unnatural in me to draw my sword against the
land which gave me being: O would to God! continued he, there were an
opportunity for me to do it in any other cause! how gladly would I leave
the best part of my blood to shew the sense I have of the generosity I
have experienced.
The baron had nothing to offer in opposition to a sentiment which he
found had so much of honour in it, and therefore acquainted the prince
that he chose to accept of his highness's favour in a civil employment;
on which he was ordered to attend his levee the next day.
His good friend accompanied him, and having presented him with the forms
usual on such occasions, the prince received him very graciously, and
was pleased to ask him several questions concerning the government of
England at that time, the battle in which he had been taken, and many
other things, to all which the young Horatio answered with so much
discretion and politeness, as made the prince say to the baron, you have
not flattered this gentleman in your description of him; for tho' I
believe your friendship ready enough to give a just idea of him, yet, I
allure you, his own behaviour is his best recommendation, and well
entitles him to more than I find it in my power to do for him at
present. I have been thinking for you, sir, continued he, turning to
Horatio, and imagine that the employment I have found you will not be
disagreeable to you: - one of the gentlemen of the bed-chamber to the
Chevalier St. George being dead, there is a vacancy, which I will make
interest shall be filled by no other than yourself; - you seem to be much
of the same age with him, and I dare say he will be extremely pleased in
the choice I make of you to be near him: - it is not indeed, added he, a
place of so much advantage as I could wish, but there is a handsome
pension annexed to it, which, with the honour, will, I believe, content
you till something better presents itself.
From the first mention the prince made of the post he had found for him,
the heart of Horatio leap'd in his breast with an agitation he had never
felt before:
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