The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-06-28
ADMIRABLE CREIGHTON.
History of the Famous Scholar and
Accomplished Courtisr.


believe. says Walter Besanf, that the only
authority for the life of the Admirable Crichton
is a certain tract by the ingenious Sir Thomas
Urquhart. who translated Rabelais. The tract
Is called 1.-The Discovery OF a Most Exquisite
Jewel In the Mud" No one man can under
stand what a miracle OF man was this Crlch-
ton unless he reads the tract, which Is written
IN fine scholarly Rabelasian spirit OF ex-
travagance. Let me tell the story, though the
beauty of The narrative cannot be translated
into modern Journaese. Crichton was one OF
the many Scots Of good family who took service
In foreign courts, their poverty sharpening
their wits to an incredible extent.
Cflchton was III tie service OF the Duke of
Mautua, whose son was his pupil. He was a
great linguist, knowing twelve languages either
10 speak or write. he was ready TO dispute in
Latin On any theme concerning mathematics,
medicine, rhetoric, logic. art, theology or juris-
prudence with any scholar who should venture.
He was master of every Kind of sport and
paStime, and in Ihe tlltyard he had no rival.
Lastly. he was an excellent actor. One even
Ing. for instance. he played before the court OF
Mantua, personating, Iii Kind OF variety
show, a dozen characters in succession.
His skill of fence was exhibited In his famous
duel with a certain Italian gladiator or soldier
Of fortune who lived. by challe nging all corners
at various courts 10 fight for large sums OF
money. Some he killed. winning the stakes;
some lie wounded and gave them their lives in
exchange for the money. On his arrival at
Mantua he posted on the gates a challenge 10
all corners TO engage blm With the single rapier
for 500 Spanish pistoles. to be laid down BY
either side. The gentlemen of the court &C
ceptrd the challenge. The first was thrust
through The throat and fell dead. The second
was thrust through the heart and was carried
off the field dying. Then Crichton stepped for.
ward.
Observe the manner of the professional here
He might have been first But then he would
only have the glory OF Kidding the world of Il
nuisance. He allowed three 10 be killed first.
These dispatched, he stepped forward anc
placed 1900 pisIoles as the stake. The event
you know beforehand but Urquhart makes the
scene TO live. Crichton wounded his enemy in
three places, viz, the three places where he
had wounded the three men Killed. The duel
list, WHO had the true artistic feeling expressed
his extreme satisfaction at being Killed by so
mastery a hand. CIlchtOn gave the 1900
pistoles 10 the widows Of the three men and so
everybody was pleased ana the renOwn OF the
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS calls him "eximiOus"-
CrichtOn was waited TO the stars.
The manner of his death was tragic. 1t was
Shrove Tuesday. He was at the house of a
princess OF the court A troop OF reyelers in
disguise and masks came 10 The house and de-
manded the right of the day 10 enter. The page
who stood at the door demonstrated. They en-
deavoIed 10 push past him; he called out and
Cricbion appeared, sword in hand. The others
drew and the unequal combat began. There
were ten assallants.
In n moment SIX were on their backs. Crich.
ton pressed forward upon The other four; he
was just abont to thrust at one more forward
than tie rest, when another called out:
Hold Wound not The prince!'
Ii was the prince, his own pupil, who was
leading these drunken reveers. Crichton
stopped. and, kneeling on his left knee, pre-
Whether in tie madness of rage or of drink,
one knows not, the prince seized the sword and
plunged IL INTO CHchtons neart. Thus fell
the dmirablc Crehon. When The prince re-
NOT be allowed, but his life was emblttered and
his years were few.