Mr. Daubeny named a day a month hence for the first
reading of his bill, and was asked the cause of the delay by some
member on a back bench. "Because it cannot be ready sooner," said
Mr. Daubeny. "When the honourable gentleman has achieved a position
which will throw upon him the responsibility of bringing forward some
great measure for the benefit of his country, he will probably find
it expedient to devote some little time to details. If he do not,
he will be less anxious to avoid attack than I am." A Minister
can always give a reason; and, if he be clever, he can generally
when doing so punish the man who asks for it. The punishing of an
influential enemy is an indiscretion; but an obscure questioner may
often be crushed with good effect.
Mr. Monk's advice to Phineas was both simple and agreeable. He
intended to support Mr. Gresham, and of course counselled his friend
to do the same.
"But you supported Mr. Daubeny on the Address before Christmas," said
Phineas.
"And shall therefore be bound to explain why I oppose him now;--but
the task will not be difficult.
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