182 SIR PETER SOAME 



bleeding and gasping with rage. Finding that the man 

 was unwilling or unable to renew the combat, my friend, 

 after assuring himself that he was not more than, 

 deservedly punished for his gross misconduct, and that, 

 too, in a way he had himself invited, advised him to be 

 more careful in future who he insulted, quietly retired 

 to his vehicle, and having put on his coat, Avith a smile 

 of triumph, we continued our pleasure excursion. 



The Baronet before referred to,^ who Avas the holder of 

 two Baronetcies, and had as many names as would serve 

 to designate a moderate family, was a very odd man, and 

 could justly boast not a little of his j)ersonal prowess. 

 Upon one occasion, I remember, when a great multitude 

 had assembled to witness a pugilistic encounter, that was 

 to be decided near his place, and with his special approval, 

 or rather by his invitation, by some means or other it 

 did not come oft'. This so irritated the Baronet that he 

 jumped into the ring, that had been formed for two very 

 noted men of that day, and said that, rather than the 

 company should be disappointed, he and his gamekeeper 

 would light any two of the best men among them. This 

 not being accepted — for the appearance of the two was 

 such as must have caused a very bold prize-fighter to 

 consider what he was about in venturing to attack them 

 — he challenged any two men in England. 



But one of the most singular feats of this most singular 

 character took place at his own house. He was seated 

 at the head of his table one evening, when I was an 

 invited guest, entertaining a large company of both 

 sexes — which he well understood, despite his less polite 



' Sir Peter Soame. 



