THE GOLDEN BOOK OF
But the courage of the King in the face of danger, as evinced in the 1885 visit to Dublin,—that "simple courage" which has been alluded to by his son,—was one of his most typical traits. His life was a charmed one: it was full of hair-breadth 'scapes and painful accidents and illnesses,—yet nothing shook his imperturbability. His coolness and pluck were peculiarly gratifying to his subjects: not less so was his appreciation of those qualities in others. Deeds of homely heroism he loved to reward: and his full knowledge of the Nation's devotion to him made him realise the more keenly for how much he stood to them.
"Will my people ever forgive me?" was his first remark when told of that necessary impending operation which postponed the Coronation festivities. Not a word of his own pain, risk, or disappointment: and subsequently he sent a message to his subjects:
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