or any other indications which may be given in a vigorous dress.  Now, what possible insinuation can there be, that it is a cause of quarrel for a man to say, he allows a gentleman really to be, what he, his tailor, his hosier, and his milliner, have conspired to make him?  I confess, if this person who appeals to me had said, he was not a “smart fellow,” there had been cause for resentment; but if he stands to it that he is one, he leaves no manner of ground for a misunderstanding.  Indeed, it is a most lamentable thing, that there should be a dispute raised upon a man’s saying another is, what he plainly takes pains to be thought.  But this point cannot be so well adjusted, as by inquiring what are the sentiments of wise nations and communities of the use of the sword, and from thence conclude, whether it is honourable to draw it so frequently or not?  An illustrious commonwealth of Italy[294] has preserved itself for many ages, without letting one of their subjects handle this destructive instrument, always leaving that work to such of mankind as understand the use of a whole skin so little, as to make a profession of exposing it to cuts and scars.  But what need we run to such foreign instances:  our own ancient and well-governed cities are conspicuous examples to all mankind in their regulation of military achievements.  The chief citizens, like the noble Italians, hire mercenaries to carry arms in their stead; and you shall have a fellow of a desperate fortune, for the gain of one half-crown, go through all the dangers of Tothill Fields, or the Artillery Ground,[295] clap his right jaw within two inches of the touch-hole of a musket, fire it off, and huzza, with as little concern as he tears a pullet.  Thus you see to what scorn of danger these mercenaries arrive, out of a mere love of sordid gain:  but methinks it should take off the strong prepossession men have in favour of bold actions, when they see upon what low motives men aspire to them.  Do but observe the common practice in the government of those heroic bodies, our militia and lieutenancies, the most ancient corps of soldiers, perhaps, in the universe.  I question whether there is one instance of an animosity between any two of these illustrious sons of Mars since their institution, which was decided by combat?  I remember indeed to have read the chronicle of an accident which had like to have occasioned bloodshed in the very field before all the general officers, though most of them were justices of the peace:  Captain Crabtree of Birching Lane, haberdasher, had drawn a bill upon Major-General Maggot, cheesemonger in Thames Street.  Crabtree draws this upon Mr. William Maggot and Company.  A country lad received this bill, and not understanding the word “company,” used in drawing bills on men in partnership, carried it to Mr. Jeffry Stick of Crooked Lane (lieutenant of the major-general’s company) whom he had the day before seen march by the door in all the pomp of his commission.  The lieutenant accepts it,