Though this renewed task may be personally disagreeable to you, even though your tastes should lead you to some other life,--which I think is not the case,--still if your country wants you, you should serve your country.

It is a work as to which such a one as you has no option.

Of most of those who choose public life,--it may be said that were they not there, there would be others as serviceable.

But when a man such as you has shown himself to be necessary, as long as health and age permit he cannot recede without breach of manifest duty.

The work to be done is so important, the numbers to be benefited are so great, that he cannot be justified in even remembering that he has a self.
As I have said before, I trust that my own age and your goodness will induce you to pardon this great interference.