The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman

It was to my uncle Toby's eternal honour, -- -- -though I tell it only for the sake of those, who, when coop'd in betwixt a natural and a positive law, know not, for their souls, which way in the world to turn themselves -- -- -That notwithstanding my uncle Toby was warmly engaged at that time in carrying on the siege of Dendermond, parallel with the allies, who pressed theirs on so vigorously, that they scarce allowed him time to get his dinner -- -- -that nevertheless he gave up Dendermond, though he had already made a lodgment upon the counterscarp; -- and bent his whole thoughts towards the private distresses at the inn; and except that he ordered the garden gate to be bolted up, by which he might be said to have turned the siege of Dendermond into a blockade, -- he left Dendermond to itself -- to be relieved or not by the French king, as the French king thought good; and only considered how he himself should relieve the poor lieutenant and his son.

-- -- That kind Being, who is a friend to the friendless, shall recompence thee for this.