“Now there is a man who, if he had had the same education, or the same ambition, as Franklin or Bentham, would have achieved as great a reputation, for he has as great and original abilities. It is lucky for Castleborough, however, that his lot is cast there. He has always stood forth for the good and independence of the place without any regard to his own interest.” “But his interests have flourished finely,” said Thorsby. “True,” added Mr. Woodburn, “but not the less true his daring and noble independence. Awhile ago, Lord Middleton sent his servant to say, that if Mr. Fairfax did not vote for the Tory candidate for one of the borough seats in Parliament, he would withdraw his custom. ‘Tell thy master, young man,’ said Mr. Fairfax, ‘that I am not an Esau to sell my birthright for a mess of pottage. He is free to take his custom where he pleases.’ His lordship withdrew his custom accordingly, but he soon found that he could not get served so well anywhere else, and so went back to Mr. Fairfax’s shop. But the most remarkable thing is, that Mr. Fairfax has never paid a penny of the property tax.” “And do you call that honest, Mr. Woodburn?” asked Thorsby. “Yes, perfectly so, in his case. The law was expressly stated, in the preamble to the act, to be for the prosecution of the war. Mr. Fairfax, as a Quaker, has a decided objection to war, as unchristian. He could not pay it; but he was quite ready to allow the law to take his property for that purpose. He was willing to suffer, though he could not conscientiously pay the tax voluntarily. Well, what was the consequence? Distraints were made repeatedly on his goods for the amount. Nobody would buy them; and they were always bought back at the expiration of the number of days prescribed by law. At length the Commissioners sent for him. William Fairfax walked into their presence without his hat, and with his right-hand, as usual, thrust into his waistcoat. “‘Mr. Fairfax,’ said the clerk to the Commissioners—a man of very dubious character, I must say—‘Mr. Fairfax, what trouble you give us. It is the law of the land, and you must obey it.’ “‘If,’ said Mr. Fairfax, ‘Parliament passes an act to set up Nebuchadnezzar’s image again, wouldst bow down to it?’ “‘No,’ said the clerk. ‘I would fly my country first!’ “‘Yes, the wicked flee when no man pursueth,’ said Mr. Fairfax, quietly; ‘the righteous stands his ground as bold as a lion.’ “Mr. Fairfax stood erect, grave, and without moving a muscle, in the midst of the circle of Commissioners, who burst into a roar of laughter at the hard hit which their lawyer clerk had received. William Fairfax walked unmoved out of the room, and a few weeks after the act was repealed. He never paid a penny of it.” “Then I think he should,” said Thorsby.