You are "the best of cut-throats:"  ⁴⁰ —do not start;

The phrase is Shakespeare's, and not misapplied:—

War's a brain-spattering, windpipe-slitting art,

Unless her cause by right be sanctified.

If you have acted once a generous part,

The World, not the World's masters, will decide,

And I shall be delighted to learn who,

Save you and yours, have gained by Waterloo?