If he were really a great man I hope I should do it, but I don't agree with your estimate of him.

I cannot think I am called upon to bell the British cat in his defence: it has many claws and all sharp." As soon as he saw the position was unworthy of him, he shifted to new ground.
"If you were justified in coming to me, I should do it; but I am no one; why don't you go to Meredith, Swinburne or Hardy ?" I had to give up the Professor, as well as the poet.

I knocked in turn at a great many doors, but all in vain.

No one wished to take the odium on himself.

One man, since become celebrated, said he had no position, his name was not good enough for the purpose.