The Duke's "flourish" is at page 7: "I wish Mr.
Darwin's disciples would imitate a little of the dignified reticence of their master.

He walks with a patient and a stately step along the paths of conscientious observation, etc., etc.") Down, November 12th, 1881.
I must write to say how very much I admire your letter in the last "Nature." I subscribe to every word that you say, and it could not be expressed more clearly or vigorously.

After the Duke's last letter and flourish about me I thought it paltry not to say that I agreed with what you had said.

But after writing two folio pages I find I could not say what I wished to say without taking up too much space; and what I had written did not please me at all, so I tore it up, and now by all the gods I rejoice that I did so, for you have put the case incomparably better than I had done or could do.
Moreover, I hate controversy, and it wastes much time, at least with a man who, like myself, can work for only a short time in a day.

How in the world you get through all your work astonishes me.
Now do not make me feel guilty by answering this letter, and losing some of your time.
You ought not to swear at Roux's book, which has led you into this controversy, for I am sure that your last letter was well worth writing--not that it will produce any effect on the Duke.
LETTER 309.