The need to practice one...
Illustration
The need to practice one`s piety publicly suggests a need for pompous display (no doubt masking one`s own sense of self-doubt).
It is reported that Henry Labouchere, influential British public servant and a longtime Member of Parliament, once served as attache at the British legation in St. Petersburg. While there, he received a stuffed shirt with a highly overrated sense of self-importance.
The visitor insisted upon seeing the ambassador immediately. Labouchere put him off, saying, "The ambassador will be here soon. Please take a chair.
This enraged the impatient caller, who thundered, "Young man, do you know who I am? He proceeded to cite a list of his titles and appointments.
Said Labouchere, "In that case, take two chairs.
- Sherer
It is reported that Henry Labouchere, influential British public servant and a longtime Member of Parliament, once served as attache at the British legation in St. Petersburg. While there, he received a stuffed shirt with a highly overrated sense of self-importance.
The visitor insisted upon seeing the ambassador immediately. Labouchere put him off, saying, "The ambassador will be here soon. Please take a chair.
This enraged the impatient caller, who thundered, "Young man, do you know who I am? He proceeded to cite a list of his titles and appointments.
Said Labouchere, "In that case, take two chairs.
- Sherer
