It appeared that not less than fifty thousand pounds had been offered to Portland, and rejected.

The money lay during a whole year ready to be paid to him if he should change his mind.

He at length told those who pressed this immense bribe on him, that if they persisted in insulting him by such an offer, they would make him an enemy of their Company.

Many people wondered at the probity which he showed on this occasion, for he was generally thought interested and grasping.

The truth seems to be that he loved money, but that he was a man of strict integrity and honour.