And one other quality there is, at least, that may be noticed without the smallest risk of stirring in any breast a painful emotion.

It is this, that Lord Palmerston had a nature incapable of enduring anger or any sentiment of wrath.

This freedom from wrathful sentiment was not the result of painful effort, but the spontaneous fruit of the mind.

It was a noble gift of his original nature--a gift which beyond all others it was delightful to observe, delightful also to remember in connection with him who has left us, and with whom we have no longer to do, except in endeavouring to profit by his example wherever it can lead us in the path of duty and of right, and of bestowing on him those tributes of admiration and affection which he deserves at our hands." The great leader attracts to himself men of kindred character, drawing them towards him as the loadstone draws iron.

Thus, Sir John Moore early distinguished the three brothers Napier from the crowd of officers by whom he was surrounded, and they, on their part, repaid him by their passionate admiration.