And he was very dull.

He rather prided himself on being dull, and on conquering in spite of his dullness.

He never allowed himself a joke in his speeches, nor attempted even the smallest flourish of rhetoric.

He was very careful in his language, labouring night and day to learn to express himself with accuracy, with no needless repetition of words, perspicuously with regard to the special object he might have in view.

He had taught himself to believe that oratory, as oratory, was a sin against that honesty in politics by which he strove to guide himself.