Litchfield enquirer., 1855-02-08
NisceIiaQy.
The Test of Courage.


 One evening. short time after the battle of Fontenoy, O745,) group of the kings body-guard was congregated near the Lato- ma basis, at Versailles, listening to two of their number discussing a subject which at that period was rarely matter of controver- sy in military circles.
 "Refuse a duel after public af'ront :" exclaimed the tallest of the speakers, whose bronze features were rendered almost iero- cious by thick, red mustache: {" 1t is stain that all the waters of the deluge would not wash away"
 "Irepeat, Monsieur de Malatour." replied the other in calm, polite tone, " that there is more true courage in refusing than in ac- ccp,ing duel. What is more common than to yield to passion, envy, or vengeance; and what more rare than Co resist them ! There fore it is virtue when exhibited al the price of public opinion; for what costs no- thing is esteemed as worth nothing"
 "A marvel! Monsieurd 'Argen,re. Iwould advise, if ever the king gives you the com- mand of company, to have engraven on the sabres of tho soldiers the commandment --' Thou shall do no murder
 "And wherefore not! His majesty would have better servants, and the country fewer plunderers, if we had in our regiments more soldiers and fewer bullics. Take, as an ex- ample, him with whom you seem so much incensed; has he not nobly avenged what you call an aifront by taking, with his own hands, an enemy's colors, while your knaves most likely formed prudent reserve behind the baggage
 "Cowards themselves have their mo- men.s of courage"
 "And the brave also their moments of fear"
 "The expression is not that of a gentle man."
 "lt is that of Monsieur d'Turenne, whose family equalled either of ours, and who avowed that he was not exempt from such moments Everybody has heard of his con duct to a braggadoclo, who hoasted 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 amusement of the bystand- CTS, who laughed heartily at this singular mode of testing the others assertion.
 "None but marshal of France had dared to try such pleasantly. To our subject, sir. maintain tha, your friend is cow you
 "And I-," repeated D'Argentre, his eyes flashing, and his lips firmly com pressed. -.-----...
 "Hoiia, gentlemen 7" exclaimed third party. who, owing to the warmth of the ar gument, had joined the group unperceived. "This is my affair."" said he to Monsieur d'Argentre, folding his arms: then turning 10 his adversary, added" Monsieur d'Ma- latour, am ut your orders."
 'ln that case, after you, if necessary" said D'Argentre, with his usual calmness By my honor you charm me, gentlemen! Let us go,"
 "One moment" replied the new conner, who. young as he was, wore the cross of St. Louis.
 "No remarks. Gentlemen, hasten."
 Too great haste in such cases evidences less contempt for death than an anxety 10 get rid of his phantom"
 Il listen, sir 7"
 "Monsieur d'Argentre just now stated that the bravest have their moments of fear Without taking as serious his anecdote of Monsieur de Turenne, shall add that with the exception of the difference tha, exists between muscles and nerves, the courage of
 
 of principle; for it is the natural state of man to love peace, if net for the sake of others, at least for himself. Do you wish me to prove itt"
 Enough, sir: we are not here to listen to sermon."
 Yet moment. Here is my proposi- tion !: We are all assembled tais evening previous to our leave oi absence: invile you. then, as also these gentlemen present, to bcarhunt on my estate, ,or rather amongst the precipices of Clat. in the Eastern pyr- ennes. You are very expert, Monsieur de Malatour-yon can snuff candle with a pistol at twenty paces, and you have no equal Ut the small sword. We'll, shall place you before bear, and if yau succeed -I do not even say in lodging ball in his head, but morley in firing upon him-l shall submit immediately alter to mee, you face to face with any weapons you choose to name, since it Is only at that price l am 10 gain your good opinion"
 "Are you playing comedy, siri"
 "Quise the contrary. And even repeat that this extreme haste shows more the cour. age of the nerves, than of the true courage arising from principle"