Vigorous remedies were at once applied, and the inflammation was
checked. But the hearing of that ear was completely destroyed.
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show the public that you have not withdrawn your confidence from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. (9)
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.
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