Page:Paul Clifford Vol 2.djvu/89

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PAUL CLIFFORD.
81

Providence that I am now entirely recovered, and at no time of my life have I been less unable to discharge—so far as my native and mental incapacities will allow—the duties of any occupation, however arduous. Nay, as the brute grows accustomed to the mill, so have I grown wedded to business—and even the brief relaxation I have now allowed myself, seems to me rather irksome than pleasurable."

"I rejoice to hear you speak thus;" answered His Royal Highness, warmly—"and I trust for many years, and," added he in a lower tone—"in higher offices more immediately connected with the State, that we may profit by your talents. The times are those in which many occasions occur, that oblige all true servants of the Constitution to quit minor employments for that great constitutional one that concerns us all, the highest, and the meanest; and—(the royal voice sunk still lower)—I feel justified in assuring you, that the office of Chief Justice alone is not considered by his Majesty as a sufficient reward for your generous