WHAT IS A GENTLEMAN?

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1032, 4 February 1882, Page 2

WHAT IS A GENTLEMAN?

Mr. E. P. Joyce, of the British Empire, Gisborne has kindly placed at. our disposal for publication, the following interesting lines : — “ 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 eyeglass, a lisp, and a smile ; Talking of operas, concerts, and balls. Evening assemblies, and afternoon calls ; Sunning 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 has done, One who unblushingly glories to speak Things which should call up a blush to his cheek ; One who, whilst railing at actions unjust, Rohs some young heart of its pureness and trust ; Scorns to steal money, nr jewels, or wealth, Thinks it no crime to take honor by stealth ? “ What is a gentleman ? Is it not. one Knowing instinctively what he should shun ; Speaking no word that would injure or pain, Spreading no scandal, deep’ning no stain ; One who knows how lo put each at his ease, Striving instinctively always to please; One who can tell, by a glance at, your cheek, When to be silent, and when he should speak? “ What, is a gentleman ? Is it not one Honestly eating t e bread he has won ; Living in uprightness, fearing his God, Leaving no stain on the path he has t rod ; Caring not whether his coat may be old, Prizing sincerity far above gold ; Recking not. whether his hand may be hard, Stretching it boldly to grasp its reward. “ What is a gentleman ? Say. is it. birth Makes a man noble, or adds to his worth ; Is there a family tree to be had, Shady enough to conceal what, is bad ; Seek out the man who has God for his guide, Nothing to blush for, and nothing to hide ; Be he a noble, or bo he in trade, T<iw is the Gentleman Nature has made.”