What is a Gentleman ?

Free Lance, Volume V, Issue 259, 17 June 1905, Page 16

What is a Gentleman ?

What is a gentleman ? Is it a thing Decked with, a scarf-pin, a chain, and a ring, Dressed in a suit of immaculate style, Sporting an eye-glass, a lisp, and a smile ? Talkuug of oneras, concerts, and balls, Evening assemblies and afternoon calls, Sunaung himself at At Homes" and bazaars, Whistling mazurkas, and smoking cigars? What is a gentleman? Say, is it one Boasting of conquests and deeds he had done? One, who unblushing, glories to speak Things which should call up a flush to his cheek? One who, whilst railing at actions un•just, Robs some young heart of its pureness and trust — Scorns to steal money, or jewels, or wealth, Thinks it no crime to take honour by stealth? What is a gentleman? Is it not one Honestly eatmg the bread he has won, Living in uprightness, fearing his God, Leaving no stain on the path he has trod, Carine not whether his coat may be old, Prizing sincerity far above gold, Reokine; not whether his hand may be hard. Stretching it boldly to grasp its reward P