When the aurist heard of the danger his patient had run, through the violence of the remedy he had employed, he hastened to Apsley House to express his grief and mortification; but the Duke merely said: "Do not say a word more about it--you did all for the best." The aurist said it would be his ruin when it became known that he had been the cause of so much suffering and danger to his Grace.

"But nobody need know anything about it: keep your own counsel, and, depend upon it, I won't say a word to any one." "Then your Grace will allow me to attend you as usual, which will show the public that you have not withdrawn your confidence from me ?" "No," replied the Duke, kindly but firmly; "I can't do that, for that would be a lie." He would not act a falsehood any more than he would speak one.
[169] Another illustration of duty and truthfulness, as exhibited in the fulfilment of a promise, may be added from the life of Blucher.

When he was hastening with his army over bad roads to the help of Wellington, on the 18th of June, 1815, he encouraged his troops by words and gestures.
"Forwards, children--forwards!" "It is impossible; it can't be done," was the answer.

Again and again he urged them.

"Children, we must get on; you may say it can't be done, but it MUST be done! I have promised my brother Wellington--PROMISED, do you hear?
You wouldn't have me BREAK MY WORD!" And it was done.
Truth is the very bond of society, without which it must cease to exist, and dissolve into anarchy and chaos.