ely drawn and set in gold; and,
in the same posture, called Heaven to witness and to judge her flame.
Our vows being thus reciprocally breathed, a confidence of hope ensued,
and our mutual fondness becoming as intimate as innocence would allow,
I grew insensible of the progress of time, and it was morning before I
could tear myself from this darling of my soul! My good angel foresaw
what would happen, and permitted me to indulge myself on this occasion,
in consideration of the fatal absence I was doomed to suffer.

I went to bed immediately on my return to my lodging, and, having slept
about two hours, was waked by Strap, who in great confusion told me
there was a footman below with a letter, which he would deliver to
nobody but myself. Alarmed at this piece of news, I desired my friend to
show him into my chamber, and received the following letter, which, he
said, required an immediate answer:

"Sir,--

"When any man injures my honour, let the difference of rank
between us be ever so great, I am contented to wave the privilege
of my quality, and to seek reparation from him on equal terms.
The insolence of your reply to me yesterday, in the Long Room, I
might have overlooked, had not your presumptive emulation in a much
more interesting affair, and which I made this morning, concurred
in persuading me to chastise your audacity with my sword. If you
therefore have spirit enough to support the character you
assume, you will not fail to follow the bearer immediately to a
convenient place, where you shall be met by

"Quiverwit."

Whether I was enervated by the love and favour of Narcissa, or awed by
the superior station of my antagonist, I know not, but I never had less
inclination to fight than at this time. However, finding there was a
necessity for vindicating the reputation of my mistress, as well as for
asserting my own honour, I forthwith rose, and, dressing in a hurry,
put on my sword, bade Strap attend me, and set out with my conductor,
cursing my bad fortune all the way, for having been observed in my
return from my angel; for so I interpreted his lordship's discovery.
When I came within sight of my rival, his lacquey told me he had orders
to stop; upon which I commanded Strap to halt also, while I walked
forward; resolving, if possible, to come to an explanation with my
challenger, before we should come to battle. Nor was an