He is now very old, and sinking fast into the grave; but even the wreck is noble." "I don't know that he ever did much," said Phineas.
"I don't know that he ever did anything according to your idea of doing.

There must be some men who do nothing." "But a man with his wealth and rank has opportunities so great! Look at his nephew!" "No doubt Mr.Palliser is a great man.

He never has a moment to speak to his wife or to anybody else; and is always thinking so much about the country that I doubt if he knows anything about his own affairs.
Of course he is a man of a different stamp,--and of a higher stamp, if you will.

But I have an idea that such characters as those of the present Duke are necessary to the maintenance of a great aristocracy.
He has had the power of making the world believe in him simply because he has been rich and a duke.

His nephew, when he comes to the title, will never receive a tithe of the respect that has been paid to this old faineant." "But he will achieve much more than ten times the reputation," said Phineas.
"I won't compare them, nor will I argue; but I like the Duke.