ing to give
the necessary instructions for _man-killing according to
honour_, lays down the following rules as indispensable for
the practice of principals and seconds in the pleasant and
humane amusement of shooting at each other. "1. To choose
out a snug sequestered spot, where the ground is level, and
no natural, terrestrial, or celestial line presenting itself
to assist either party in his views of sending his opponent
into eternity. 2. To examine the pistols; see that they are
alike in quality and length, and load in presence of each
other. 3. To measure the distance; ten paces of not less
than thirty inches being the minimum, the parties to step to
it, not from it. 4. To fire by signal and at random; it
being considered unfair to take aim at the man whose life
you go out to take. 5. Not to deliver the pistols cocked,
lest they should go off un-expectedly; and after one fire
the second should use his endeavours to produce a
reconciliation. 6. If your opponent fire in the air, it is
very unusual, and must be a case of extreme anguish when you
are obliged to insist upon another shot at him. 7. Three
fires must be the ultimatum in any case; any more reduces
duel to a conflict for blood," says the code writer; "if
the parties can afford it, there should be two surgeons in
attendance, but if economical, one mutual friend will
suffice; the person receiving the first fire, in case of
wound, taking the first dressing. 8. It being always
understood that wife, children, parents, and relations are
no impediment with men of very different relative stations
in society to their meeting on equal terms." The _consistency,
morality, justice, and humanity of this code, I
leave to the gratifying reflection of those who have most
honourably killed their man_.
~215~~
'For, as duelling now is completely a science,
And sets, the Old Bailey itself at defiance;
Now Hibernians are met with in every street,
'Tis as needful to know how to shoot as to eat.'
The following singular challenge is contained in a letter
from Sir William Herbert, of St. Julian's, in Monmouthshire,
father-in-law to the famous Lord Herbert, of Cherbury, to a
gentleman of the name of Morgan. The original is in the
British Museum.
"Si
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