But although we do not now quarrel according to the moods and figures of Caranza or Vincent Saviola, no one knew better than Fergus that there must be some decent pretext for a mortal duel. For instance, you may challenge a man for treading on your corn in a crowd, or for pushing you up to the wall, or for taking your seat in the theater; but the modern code of honour will not permit you to found a quarrel upon your right of compelling a man to continue addresses to a female relative, which the fair lady has already refused. So that Fergus was compelled to stomach this supposed afront, until the whirligig of time, whose motion he promised himself he would watch most sedulously, should bring about an opportunity of revenge.
— Waverly, Chapter LVII — Sir Walter Scott
Posted October 6, 2008 at 10:53am
