"I know he thinks that, but I had the honour of confuting him the other day with regard to the flagon and gloves.

Now, there is a subject for Martial, Mr.Torridon.A corrupt statesman who has retired on his ill-gotten gains disproves an accusation of bribery.

Let us call him Atticus 'Attice ...

Attice' .. .-- We might say that he put on the gloves lest his forgers should be soiled while he drank from the flagon, or something of the kind." Sir Thomas's eyes beamed with delight as he talked.

To make an apt classical quotation was like wine to him, but to have it capped appropriately was like drunkenness.