In my life, this has been a difficulty. (2.4.6.8) This type of letter was known as a cartel, and it was the formal, written manner of starting a fight in Europe during the Renaissance. Dueling was prevalent in Elizabethan England, but by the 1700s, it had become prohibited in much of Europe. Those who fought duels were often given jail time, although they would usually be allowed to go free after making an apology. Romeo's challenge to Paris is one of the most famous scenes in all of literature. It is a dramatic confrontation between two young people who are deeply in love but cannot express that love until now. In order for them to be able to talk about their feelings, they must first get into a fight over Cressida. This is how Shakespeare presents their argument: Then they would quarrel well. (3.1.64) The word "challenge" comes from the French word chalengier, which means to seek out a duel with. These letters were used by members of one family to threaten others with violence if they do not obey them. Sometimes families would have their own private police force, called "gens d'armes", who would make the threats and carry out punishment if necessary. During the Renaissance period, France was also a country where people lived at risk of being killed in duels.