proverb.

In vindication of my countrymen, I repeated all the arguments commonly
used to prove that every man has a natural right to liberty; that
allegiance and protection are reciprocal; that, when the mutual tie is
broken by the tyranny of the king, he is accountable to the people for
his breach of contract, and subject to the penalties of the law; and
that those insurrections of the English, which are branded with the
name of rebellion by the slaves of arbitrary power, were no other than
glorious efforts to rescue that independence which was their birthright,
from the ravenous claws of usurping ambition. The Frenchman, provoked at
the little deference I paid to the kingly name, lost all patience, and
reproached me in such a manner that my temper forsook me, I clenched my
fist, with an intention to give him a hearty box on the ear. Perceiving
my design, he started back and demanded a parley; upon which I checked
my indignation, and he gave me to understand that a Frenchman never
forgave a blow; therefore, if I were not weary of my life, I would do
well to spare him that mortification, and do him the honour of measuring
his sword with mine, like a gentleman. I took his advice and followed
him to a field hard by, where indeed I was ashamed at the pitiful figure
of my antagonist, who was a poor little shivering creature, decrepit
with age, and blind of one eye. But I soon found the folly of judging
from appearances; being at the second pass wounded in the sword hand,
and immediately disarmed with such a jerk, that I thought the joint
was dislocated. I was no less confounded than enraged at this event,
especially as my adversary did not bear his success with all the
moderation that might have been expected; for he insisted upon my asking
pardon for affronting his king and him. This proposal I would by no
means comply with, but told him, it was a mean condescension, which no
gentleman in his circumstances ought to propose, nor any in my situation
ought to perform; and that, if he persisted in his ungenerous demand,
I would in my turn claim satisfaction with my musket, when we should be
more upon a par than with the sword, of which he seemed so much master.

CHAPTER XLIV

In order to be revenged, I learn the Science of Defence--we join
Mareschal Duc de Noailles, are engaged with the Allies of Dettingen, and
put to flight--the behaviour of the French soldiers on that occasion--I
industriously seek another combat wit