"Before you say more, I again assure you, as a man of honor, that I am come merely on my own business, and that my business is only what I have already stated.

But as I conclude from your words, as well as much that I have heard on my way hither, that you take me for a delegate, I feel constrained to tell you that I never could have been charged with any commission such as you seem to expect, its very existence being an utter impossibility." The noble looked grave, and said, after a moment's silence, "Very well; you shall not suffer on that account.

The wish that you express is so singular, that it would be impossible, in the common course of things, to grant it.

If we are not permitted to consider you a friend, the rules of war command us to deal with you and yours as enemies.

But the men of my nation have ever possessed, in taking up arms, the rare virtue of trusting to the virtue of others, as well as of acting nobly, even when they could expect no gratitude in return.