284 A MONTH IN THE FORESTS OF FRANCE. 



nor how such gallant hands and hearts are kept from 

 striking to the earth a villain who dares to seize you 

 by the collar. Nothing shall make me believe that 

 you would tamely submit to be thus rudely handled 

 by a base wretch, whose dirty grasp might rend from 

 your breasts the medals and trophies worn by you in 

 the field of battle, and awarded by your Emperor or 

 my most gracious Queen. Yet, if you requite such 

 ruffianism with a blow, I am told you too are ame- 

 nable to heavy fine and imprisonment. I would 

 never willingly transgress your laws; but when I 

 struck this fellow I was not aware of those that re- 

 lated to a blow.* I respect your nation, and love your 

 beautiful country infinitely too much to show any 

 disrespect to any national regulation that belongs to 

 her; but as a brother soldier — as your associate in 

 palace, hall, and bower, forest and field — let me pray 

 you to get the law rescinded which permits a ruffian 

 to resort to personal aggression, while it prohibits the 

 blow, so apt and ready, to the hand of chivalry that 

 should punish his presumption." 



Having thus eased my heart of all the ill-will it bore, 

 the voyage was prosperous, and I landed at South- 

 ampton, and found all my luggage beautifully kept and 

 cared for in the custom-house ; my two little white 

 terriers were under Matchem's good care at the Dol- 



