a few hours. You know my principles; and I hope will better consider of the matter. I never, while I am master of my temper,

will give myself so much cause of repentance to the last hour of my life, as I should have, were I to draw my Sword, to the irreparable injury of any man's family; or to run the same risque of injuring my own, and of incurring the final perdition of us both!"

Mr. Mer. This answer rather provoked than satisfied, I suppose.
Sir Ch. Provocation was not my intention. I designed only to remind him of the obligations we were both under to our respective families, and to throw in an hint of a still superior consideration. It was likely to have more force in that Roman Catholic country than, I am sorry to say it, it would in this Protestant one.
Sir Har. How, how, Sir Charles did it end?
Sir Ch. I went to Verona. He followed me thither; and endeavoured to provoke me to draw. Why should I draw? said I. Will the decision by the sword be certainly that of Justice? You are in a passion. You have no reason to doubt either my skill, or my courage [On such an occasion, Gentlemen, and with such a view, a man may perhaps be allowed to give himself a little consequence]: And solemnly once more do I avow my innocence; and desire to be brought face to face with my accusers.
He raved the more for my calmness. I turned from him, with intent to leave him. He thought fit to offer me a personal insult—I now, methinks, blush to tell it—He gave me a box on the ear, to provoke me to draw—
Mr. Mer. And did you draw, Sir?
Mr. Bag. To be sure you then drew?
Mr. Jord. Pray, Sir Charles, let us know. You could not then help drawing? This was a provocation that would justify a Saint.
Sir Ch. He had forgot, in that passionate moment

that he was a gentleman. I did not remember that I was one, but I had no occasion to draw.
Sir Har. What a plague—You did not cane him?
Sir Ch. He got well after a fortnight's lying-by.
Sir Har. Damnation!
Sir Ch. I put him into possession of the lodgings I had taken for myself, and into proper and safe hands. He was indeed unable for a day or two to direct for himself. I sent for