_in fede mia Ho fatto bene a non fare a mio modo._[2] The Doctor however was one of the very few who have never been put out of their designed course, and never been disposed to stray from it. _Spesso si perde il buono Cercando il meglio. E a scegliere il sentiero Chi vuol troppo esser saggio, Del tempo abusa, e non fa mai viaggio._[3] [Footnote 2: RICCIARDETTO.] [Footnote 3: METASTASIO.] INTERCHAPTER XV. THE AUTHOR RECOMMENDS A CERTAIN WELL-KNOWN CHARACTER AS A CANDIDATE FOR HONOURS, BOTH ON THE SCORE OF HIS FAMILY AND HIS DESERTS. HE NOTICES ALSO OTHER PERSONS WHO HAVE SIMILAR CLAIMS. _Thoricht, auf Bessrung der Thoren zu harren! Kinder der klugheit, o habet die Narren Eben zum Narren auch, wie sich's gehort._ GOETHE. In these days when honours have been so profusely distributed by the most liberal of Administrations and the most popular of Kings, I cannot but think that Tom Fool ought to be knighted. And I assure the reader that this is not said on the score of personal feeling, because I have the honour to be one of his relations, but purely with regard to his own claims, and the fitness of things, as well as to the character of the Government. It is disparaging him, and derogatory to his family, which in undisputed and indisputable antiquity exceeds any other in these kingdoms,—it is disparaging him, I say, to speak of him as we do of Tom Duncombe, and Tom Cribb, and Tom Campbell; or of Tom Hood and Tom Moore, and Tom Sheridan; and before them of Tom Browne and Tom D'Urfey, and Tom Killigrew. Can it be supposed if he were properly presented to his Majesty (Lord Nugent would introduce him), and knelt to kiss the royal hand, that our most gracious and good-natured King would for a moment hesitate to give him the accollade, and say to him “Rise Sir Thomas!” I do not ask for the Guelphic Order; simple Knighthood would in this case be more appropriate. It is perfectly certain that Sir Thomas More, if he were alive, would not object to have him for a brother knight and namesake. It is equally certain that Sir Thomas Lethbridge could not, and ought not.