France the Classic Ground of Duelling.--Brantôme’s Rules for Duellers.--Right of a Soldier to call out his Captain.--Opinions of La Béraudière, Basnage, and Alciat.--Decorations and button-hole Badges.--The Badge of Love.--Choice of Arms.--Ancient modes of Fighting.--Fighting with sharp-pointed daggers in front of the Helmet.--Fighting in Steel Collars with pointed blades.--Privilege of the Offended to choose his Arms.--Fighting in Armour.--State of Society in France during the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries.--Introduction of the Pistol 94 CHAPTER VII. DUELLING IN FRANCE DURING THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY. Effects of the Gasconading Challenge sent by Francis the First to Charles the Fifth.--Duel between Chateauneuf and his Guardian Lachesnaye.--Between the Nephew of Marshal St. André and M. Matas.--Between a Roman Gentleman and the Chevalier De Refuge.--Exploits of Baron de Vitaux, the Paragon of France.--His Duel with Baron de Mittaud.--His Death.--Duel between Caylus and D’Entragues.--Between Riberac and Maugerin.--Between Schomberg and Livaret.--Introduction of the custom of Seconds fighting with each other.--Murderous Contests of Antoine de Clarmont.--Contest of six against six 109 CHAPTER VIII. DUELLING IN FRANCE DURING THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. Edicts of Henry the Fourth against duelling.--Desperate nature of these bloody feuds.--Combat between Joeilles and Devese.--Celebrated Ruffians.--Trial of Skill between Lagarde Valoise and Bazanez.--Battle of the Hats.--Pardons for duelling.--Endeavours of Sully to check the practice.--Edict of Blois.--“The point of honour.”--Refusal of M. de Reuly to fight a duel 123 CHAPTER IX. DUELLING DURING THE REIGN OF LOUIS THE THIRTEENTH. Ferocity and absurdity of private rencontres during this reign.--Fighting with knives.--Baron de Luz and his son killed by the Chevalier de Guise.--Prohibitory edicts.--Anecdotes by Lord Herbert of Cherbury.--Case of M. Mennon.--“C’est Monsieur Balaguy!”--Quarrels for top-knots and ribands.--Duel between the Prince de Chalais and the Count of Pont Gibaut.--Excesses of “the golden youth of France.”--Conflict between Boutteville and the Marquis de Beuvron.--Boutteville’s execution 133 CHAPTER X. DUELLING IN FRANCE DURING THE REIGN OF LOUIS THE FOURTEENTH.