Why God o' mercy! assume that I desired to take satisfaction for the affront he had put upon me; do you know so little of men, and of me of all men, that you suppose I should go about my vengeance in this hole-and-corner fashion to set a hangman's noose about my neck.

A fine vengeance that, as God lives! Was it so I dealt with you, Sir John, when you permitted your tongue to wag too freely, as you have yourself confessed?
Heaven's light, man; take a proper view; consider was this matter likely.

I take it you are a more fearsome antagonist than was ever poor Peter Godolphin, yet when I sought satisfaction of you I sought it boldly and openly, as is my way.

When we measured swords in your park at Arwenack we did so before witnesses in proper form, that the survivor might not be troubled with the Justices.
You know me well, and what manner of man I am with my weapons.

Should I not have done the like by Peter if I had sought his life?
Should I not have sought it in the same open fashion, and so killed him at my pleasure and leisure, and without risk or reproach from any ?" Sir John was stricken thoughtful.