When a blackmailer tried to extort money from the first Duke of
Wellington to cover up a disreputable aspect of his past, the duke's
response was: "Publish, and be damned." He had enough confidence
in himself not to be swayed by this threat to his good name. Sure
enough, his reputation remained unsullied, and indeed he won
respect for allowing the story to be known. He knew the blackmailer
lives off fear, and if one shows no fear, a blackmailer is powerless.
.
The subjects of blackmail and hate mail have been bounced around
a lot at the manor lately. There is something to be said for standing
up for what you know is right, as in the wise words of Thoreau, "For
an impenetrable shield, stand inside yourself".
