1 74 INSULT. 



its display as one of our national charac- 

 teristics, when practised on an emergency 

 and in self-defence, as far more indicative 

 of what becomes a man, than the steel of 

 the Italian, or the extravagant demonstra- 

 tions of vengeance in vogue with our 

 American brethren. 



A particular instance I remember in 

 illustration of this idea. 



Riding one day with my friend before 

 named in his phaeton,* in going round the 

 churchyard at Ewel, a very dangerous part 

 of the road to Epsom, which has since been 

 judiciously altered, we came in contact 

 with a brewer's waggon. In consequence 

 we were grossly insulted by the driver, who 

 threatened to lay his whip about us, making 

 use of the most abusive language ; and on 

 expostulating with him, he challenged 

 to fight either one or both of us. My 

 friend, first casting an eye on him, gave me 



* The late John Morris, of Northumberland Street, 

 Strand. 



