Pagina 139 van 1118

"What have the ancient Romans to do with us? a people well enough

in some things, but in others, far, far behind. But according to

the laws of modern knighthood, I maintain that a messenger, who

dared place in the hands of a knight a challenge without having

previously asked permission, is a rash fool who deserves to be

cudgelled."

"But answer me this question--"

"No, no, no."

"But hear me. To strike an unarmed person is an act of treachery.

Atqui the messenger de quo was without arms. Ergo--"

"Gently, gently, Signor Podestà."

"How? gently."

"Gently, I tell you; I concede that under other circumstances

this might have been called an act of treachery, but to strike a

low fellow! It would have been a fine thing truly, to say to him,

as you would to a gentleman, Be on your guard! And you, Sir

Doctor, instead of sitting there grinning your approbation of my

opinion, why do you not aid me to convince this gentleman?"