Then they would go pistol-shooting, Byron's trembling hand contrasting with his friend's firmness.

They had invented a "little language" for this sport: firing was called tiring; hitting, colping; missing, mancating, etc.

It was in fact a kind of pigeon Italian.

Shelley acquired two nick-names in the circle of his Pisan friends, both highly descriptive.

He was Ariel and the Snake.