A Courteous Retort
A good illustration of “the retort courteous” was given to Count Herbert Bismarck, the rough-and-rude son of Prince Bismarck, on the occasion of the German Emperor’s visit to Rome. At the railway station Count Herbert pushed rudely against an Italian dignitary, who was watching the proceedings. The dignitary, greatly incensed, remonstrated forcibly against such unceremonious treatment, whereupon Count Herbert turned around haughtily and said,—
“I don’t think you know who I am. I am Count Herbert Bismarck.”
“That,” replied the Italian, bowing politely, “as an excuse, is insufficient, but as an explanation it is ample.”