The Universal Anthology; A Collection of the Best Literature, Ancient, Mediaeval and Modern, with Biographical and Explanatory Notes Volume 18 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899 edition. Excerpt: ... one Beverley, who, I am told, is now in Bath. -- Odds slanders and lies he must be at the bottom of it. Sir Lucius -- A rival in the case, is there ? -- and you think he has supplanted you unfairly? Acres -- Unfairly to be sure he has. He never could have done it fairly. Sir Lucius -- Then sure you know what is to be done Acres -- Not I, upon my soul Sir Lucius--We wear no swords here, but you understand me. Acres -- What fight him? Sir Lucius -- Ay, to be sure: what can I mean else? Acres -- But he has given me no provocation. Sir Lucius -- Now, I think he has given you the greatest provocation in the world. Can a man commit a more heinous offense against another than to fall in love with the same woman? Oh, by my soul it is the most unpardonable breach of friendship. Acres -- Breach of friendship I ay, ay; but I have no acquaintance with this man. I never saw him in my life. Sir Lucius -- That's no argument at all -- he has the less right then to take such a liberty. Acres -- Gad, that's true -- I grow full of anger, Sir Lucius -- I fire apace Odds hilts and blades I find a man may have a deal of valor in him, and not know it But couldn't I contrive to have a little right on my side? Sir Lucius -- What the devil signifies right, when your honor is concerned? Do you think Achilles, or my little Alexander the Great, ever inquired where the right lay? No, by my soul, they drew their broadswords, and left the lazy sons of peace to settle the justice of it. Acres -- Your words are a grenadier's march to my heart I believe courage must be catching I certainly do feel a kind of valor rising as it were -- a kind of courage, as I may say. -- Odds flints, pans, and triggers I'll challenge him directly. Sir Lucius -- Ah, my little...