GREAT MEN'S BODIES
known, Andrew Jackson was the only bully who was not also a coward."—Parton's Life of Jackson.
A greyhound's body, with the tenacity of a bulldog.
CHARLES JAMES FOX (1749–1806)
Desultory and ineffective till he warmed; he did best when he was provoked or excited; he required the kindling pulse, the explosive spark; always happiest in reply; if interrupted by cries of "Order!" he pressed home his arguments with increasing vehemence; with redoubled blows and repeated bursts of extemporaneous declamation almost overpowered the audience; and effectually checked all further interruption. Fox had not the teeming knowledge, the broad, sweeping view, the marvellous forecast, the prophetic vision of Burke; but he surpassed him as an orator, because he had more tact; and kept to the topics of the hour; until Burke himself said that he was "the most brilliant and accomplished debater the world ever saw."
And this Eton boy and Oxford man, entering the House of Commons at nineteen, in defiance of all rules—a skilful mathematician; critical classical scholar; master of French; fascinator alike of his school-fellows in youth, and of all men in manhood; during his whole life passionately in love with the great authors of antiquity, whose companionship he kept up at every moment snatched from Parliamentary duty; in private theatricals distinguishing himself alike in tragedy and in high comedy; with a303