The Delaware register, or, Farmers', manufacturers' & mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1828-1829, 1829-01-10

avail myself of his Maesty's gracious permission to
humble the pride and insoence of my opponent
You a classical man, Albert, and may readily sup
pose that you behoding mortal combat of gadi-
ators, for the encounter will only terminate with the
death of one both. In return for this qualification,
he added, with careless smile, "you must pledge
yourself to read the service of the dead over my
mains, should fall, and to compose for me Latin
epitaph in flowing hexameters. And now, my below
ed Albert, farewell. | must go and apparel, for it
would be breach of etiquette to perform tragedy be-
fore spectators of such exalted rank in any but full
dress"
"Strange being!'' | here impatiently exclaimed,
"you speak of deadly combat as you would of pa
geant Cease this unhallowed levity and tell me in
plain language what is the nature of this insult which
can only be atoned for by the sacrifice of human
life %
" Last night at SUPPER" he replied, " Barstrom
called me German coxcomb, and | returned the
compliment by calling him Swedish bear A def
ance to mortal combat Immediately ensued the king Is
consent obtained, and this day will prove whether
the bear shall give the coxcomb mortal squeeze, or
be compelled TO dance to the coxcombs fddle.''
With these words he left the apartment, and shortly
returned with Saxon subalten of mature age and
intelligent physiognomy He told him to accompany
to the gallery of the castle hall and procure for me
commodious seat. Ihunderstruck at this intel-
renee, left the quarters of Seifert, and approached
the castle gate III silent CONSERVATION. My compan-
ion gave look full of humorous meaning, and
remarked while lie offered me pinch of snuff,
s. All this is doubtless, above your comprehension
reverend sir 1t is almost above mine, although
have lived above half century, and have made some
use of my opportunities. Perhaps, however, YOU
who have studied at the university can explain to me
why man likes to be called by his proper narne-
have known Captain Seiert for twevemonth-I
have seen him in battle-and God knows he wieds
his sabre well as he does his tongue, which is no
small praise, because he surpasses most men in wit
and knowledge but maintain, nevertheless, that he
is somewhat of coXcomb. Captain Barstrom is al
of distinguished bravery, and he had once
the good fortune to the kings life but in man
ner he is wild BEAST and why he should take offence
at the very characteristic appellaton of Swedish
bear,' puzzles me exceedingly"
| followed my conductor into the gallery, which was
crowded with citizens who readily, however, made way
for me and my escort, and we gained position COM
handing good view of the arena below. The royal
guards, fine body of men, in light blue coats and
steel cuirasses lined both sides of the spacious hall
and their polished battle axes flashed brightly from
the tops of their long black ances
:" ! suppose" said ] to my companion, " that these
fine body guards the Kings favorite regiment %
Gustavus is father to all his soldiers answered
the subaltern ga and incredible as it may appear to
you, he knows personally almost every Swede in his |
army, has conversed with most of them, and address
ed them even by name. The entire Swedish force is
as well equipped as the men before you. On this
point the munifcen Gustavus differs widely from Cor
poral Skeeston as he always calls lilly. The old Ba-
Hfninc fhafo 1oI 4 I