[Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes]@TWC D-Link bookLeviathan CHAPTER X 9/12
And at this day, in this part of the world, private Duels are, and alwayes will be Honourable, though unlawfull, till such time as there shall be Honour ordained for them that refuse, and Ignominy for them that make the Challenge.
For Duels also are many times effects of Courage; and the ground of Courage is alwayes Strength or Skill, which are Power; though for the most part they be effects of rash speaking, and of the fear of Dishonour, in one, or both the Combatants; who engaged by rashnesse, are driven into the Lists to avoyd disgrace. Scutchions, and coats of Armes haereditary, where they have any eminent Priviledges, are Honourable; otherwise not: for their Power consisteth either in such Priviledges, or in Riches, or some such thing as is equally honoured in other men.
This kind of Honour, commonly called Gentry, has been derived from the Antient Germans.
For there never was any such thing known, where the German Customes were unknown.
Nor is it now any where in use, where the Germans have not inhabited.
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