Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1854-12-21
lflistelIal,eolls.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HERO
AND BULLY.


AND A BULLY.
(FRoM THE FRENCH
One evening, short time after the battle of
Fontenoy, Q745,) group of the kings body
guard was congregatcd near the Latona basin,
at Versailles, istentcning to two Of their num-
Der discussing subject which at that period
was rarely a matter of controversy in military
circles
Refuse duel after public alfront cx-
claimed the tallest of the speakers, whose bronz
ed(eatures were rendered almost farvciols by tie
thick red moustache is S.Alu that all the
waters Of the deluge would not wash away
Il repeat, Monsieur do Malltour, replied the
othag III q calm, polite tone, that .there is more
true courage in refusing than acceptng a duel.
w hat il more common than the yield Of pas
sion, envy or vengeance; and what more rare
than to resist them? Therefore it is a virtue
when exhibited at the price of public opinion
for what costs nothing is esteemed as worth
nothing.
"A marvel Monsieur d'Argentre, l would
advise, if ever the king gives you the command
of q company, to have engrayen on the sabre of
the soldiers the commandment Thou shalt
do no murder =
and wherefore not His majesty would
have better servants, and the country fewer
plandqrers, if VIC had in our regiment more
soldiers and fewer bulles. Take, us IN exam
pie, him with whom you seem so mach incensed;
has he not nobly avenged what you call an af-
/ front by taking. with his own hands, an enc
my 3 colors, while your knaves most likely form
cd prudent reserve behind the baggage!'
Coward. themselves have their momonts of
courage
Aud the brave also their moments Of fear ,
'Thc expression is rot that of q gentleman.
1t is that of Monsieur de Iuronne, whose
family equalled either of ours, who avowed that
he was not exempt from such moments. Every
body has heard of his conduct towards II brag-
gadocia, who boasted in his presence that he
had never known fear He suddenly passed a
lighted candle under the speakers nose, who
instantly drew back his head TO the great amuse-
mont of the bystanders who laughed heartily
at this singular mode Of testing the Others as
seitons.'
None but a marshal Of France had dared to
try such pleasantly. To our subject. SIR
maintain that your friend is q coward, and
: you--
And +, repeated D'Argentrs, his eyes
flashing and lis ips firmly compressed.
lIoilo, gentlemen exclaimed a third party
who, owing to the warmth of the argument,
had joined the group unperceived. This is my
affair, said he to Monsieur d 'Argentre, holding
his arm ; then turning to his adversary, added
Monsieur de Malatour, am at your orders.
In that casa, after you, if necessary said
! de Argentine, with his usual calnness.
> by my honor yoa charm me, gentlemen
Let us go
zone moment, replied the newcomer, who
young as hN was, wore the cross of St. Louis
$ mo remarks. Gentlemen, hasten
g TOO great haste in such cases eyinces less
d contempt for death than an anxiety to get ri,
n of his phantom.
2 | listen, sir
d Monsieur d'Argentrc just now stated tina
| the braycst have their moments OF fear With
J. out taking as serious his ancedote Of Monsieu
4 da Tnrennn I shall add that with the eXcentio
Y of the difference that exists between muscle
d and nerves, the courage Of the duelist is NOR
@ an affair of habit than of principle; for it
r the natural state of man to love peace if no
e for the sake of others, at least for Aimself d
:, you wish me to prove it
- Enough, sir; We are hot her9 to listen to
Y sermon
h Yet q moment. Here is my proposition W
II are all assembled this evening previous to ou
; leave Of ahsenG3 | invite you, then, as als
l. gentemon present, to a bear-.lunt on my estat'
l. or rather amongst the precirlces of Clat in tn
4 Eastern Pyrennocs You ara very expert, Nor
|. sicur de Maatour-you can snuff cand
}, with Il pistol at twenty PAGES, and you have n
n equal at the small sword. Well, shall plat
70 you before bear, and if you succeed do nj
" even say in lodging ball in his head but mer
It ly in firing upon him--I shall submit imm
5, diately after to meet you face to face with an
d. weapons you choose to name, since it is on