3 FEBRUARY 1939, Page 21

[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR] SIR,—May I submit Thackeray's

idea of a " gentleman "?

" What is it to be a gentleman? Is it to be honest, to be gentle, to be generous, to be brave, to be wide, and, possessing all these qualities, to exercise them in the most graceful out- ward manner?

" What is it to be a gentleman? Is it to have lofty aims, to lead a pure life, to keep your honour virgin; to have the esteem of your fellow citizens, and the love of your fireside; to bear good fortune meekly; to suffer evil with constancy; and through evil and good to maintain truth always? "

And Kipling's:

" He scarce had need to doff his pride or slough the dross of earth— E'en as he trod that day to God so walked he from his birth, In simpleness and gentleness and honour and clean mirth."

Bisham Cottage, Marlow, Bucks,