no The Life of William, Duke of Newcastle 



loyal subject, a kind husband, a loving father, a generous 

 master, and a constant friend. 



His natural love to his parents has been so great, that I 

 have heard him say, he would most willingly, and without 

 the least repining, have begged for his daily relief, so God 

 would but have let his parents live. 



He is true and just both in his words and actions, and has 

 no mean or petty designs, but they are all just and honest. 



He condemns not upon report, but upon proof ; nor judges 

 by words, but actions ; he forgets not past service, for present 

 advantage ; but gives a present reward to a present desert. 

 He hath a great power over his passions, and hath had the 

 greatest trials thereof ; for certainly he must of necessity 

 have a great share of patience, that can forgive so many false 

 treacherous, malicious, and ungrateful persons as he hath 

 done ; but he is so wise, that his passion never outruns his 

 patience, nor his extravagances his prudence ; and although 

 his private enemies have been numerous, yet I verily believe, 

 there is never a subject more generally beloved than he is. 



He hates pride and loves humility ; is civil to strangers, 

 kind to his acquaintance, and respectful to all persons, accord- 

 ing to their quality ; he never regards place, except it be 

 for ceremony : to the meanest person he'll put off his hat, 

 and surfer everybody to speak to him. 



He never refuses any petition, but accepts them ; and being 

 informed of the business, will give a just, and as much as lies 

 in him, a favourable answer to the petitioning party. 



He easily pardons, and bountifully rewards ; and always 

 praises particular men's virtues, but covers their faults with 

 silence. 



He is full of charity and compassion to persons that are in 

 misery, and full of clemency and marCy ; insomuch, that 

 when he was general of a great army, he would never sit in 

 council himself upon causes of life and death, but granted 

 pardon to many delinquents that were condemned by his 

 council of war ; so that some were forced to petition him not 

 to do it, by reason it was an ill precedent for others. To 

 which my Lord merrily answered, that if they did hang all, 

 they would leave him none to fight. 



His courage he always showed in action, more than in 

 words, for he would fight, but not rant. 



