do invite James Harris to meet, and exercise at the following weapons, back-sword, sword and dagger, sword and buckler, single falchon, and case of falchons.  I James Harris, master of the said noble science of defence, who formerly rid in the Horse-guards, and hath fought 110 prizes, and never left a stage to any man, will not fail (God willing) to meet this brave and bold inviter, at the time and place appointed, desiring sharp swords, and from him no favour.  No person to be upon the stage, but the seconds. Vivat Regina.”

“At the Bear-garden in Hockley in the Hole, near Clerkenwell Green, 1710.  This is to give notice to all gentlemen, gamesters, and others, that on this present Monday is a match to be fought by two dogs, one from Newgate-market, against one from Honey-lane market, at a bull, for a guinea to be spent, five let-goes out of hand, which goes fairest and fastest in, wins all.  Likewise, a green bull to be baited, which was never baited before; and a bull to be turned loose with fireworks all over him.  Also a mad ass to be baited.  With a variety of bull-baiting and bear-baiting, and a dog to be drawn up with fireworks.  To begin exactly at three of the clock.”]

No. 29. [STEELE.

From Tuesday, June 14, to Thursday, June 16, 1709.

* * * * *

White’s Chocolate-house, June 14.

Having a very solid respect for human nature, however it is distorted from its natural make, by affectation, humour, custom, misfortune, or vice, I do apply myself to my friends to help me in raising arguments for preserving it in all its individuals, as long as it is permitted.  To one of my letters on this subject, I have received the following answer:[298]

“SIR,

“In answer to your question, why men of sense, virtue, and experience, are seen still to comply with that ridiculous custom of duelling, I must desire you to reflect, that custom has dished up in ruffs the wisest heads of our ancestors, and put the best of the present age into huge falbala periwigs.[299] Men of sense would not impose such encumbrances on themselves; but be glad they might show their faces decently in public upon easier terms.  If then such men appear reasonably slaves to the fashion, in what regards the figure of their persons, we ought not to wonder, that they are at least so in what seems to touch their reputations.  Besides, you can’t be ignorant, that dress and chivalry have been always encouraged by the ladies, as the two principal branches of gallantry.  It is to avoid being sneered at for his singularity, and from a desire to appear more agreeable to his mistress, that a wise, experienced, and polite man, complies with the dress commonly received, and is prevailed upon to violate his reason and principles, in hazarding his life and estate by a tilt, as well as suffering his pleasures to be constrained and soured by the constant apprehension of a quarrel.  This