An (the) iron hand (fist) in a (the) velvet glove

Where does this expression originally come from ?

[Dead link removed - ed]

Not sure about the original origin (if you will forgive the phrase) but I have always believed it came from the Latin 'Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re', which means (with a certain freedom of translation) something similar.

DFG

IRON HAND IN A VELVET GLOVE -- "Disguised firmness: a gentle demeanor concealing a resolute personality. Thomas Carlyle wrote in 'Latter-Day Pamphlets' : 'Soft of speech and manner, yet with an inflexible vigour of command...'iron hand in a velvet glove,' as Napoleon defined it.' Napoleon seems to have originated this phrase." The Dictionary of Cliches by James Rogers (Wings Books, Originally New York: Facts on File Publications, 1985).