CHARGE AGAINST DUELS. 109 



birth and quality will leave the practice when it 

 begins to be vilified, and come so low as to barber- 

 surgeons and butchers, and such base mechanical 

 persons. 



And for the greatness of this presence, in which 

 I take much comfort, both as I consider it in itself, 

 and much more in respect it is by his majesty s 

 direction, I will supply the meanness of the par 

 ticular cause, by handling of the general point : to 

 the end, that by the occasion of this present cause, 

 both my purpose of prosecution against duels, and 

 the opinion of the court, without which I am 

 nothing, for the censure of them, may appear, and 

 thereby offenders in that kind may read their own 

 case, and know what they are to expect ; which may 

 serve for a warning until example may be made in 

 some greater person : which I doubt the times will 

 but too soon afford. 



Therefore before I come to the particular, 

 whereof your lordships are now to judge, I think it 

 time best spent to speak somewhat : 



First, Of the nature and greatness of this mis 

 chief. 



Secondly, Of the causes and remedies. 

 Thirdly, Of the justice of the law of England, 

 which some stick not to think defective in this 

 matter. 



Fourthly, Of the capacity of this court, where 

 certainly the remedy of this mischief is best to be 

 found. 



And fifthly, Touching mine own purpose and 



