The
Hum-Drum
Club, of which I was formerly an unworthy Member, was made up of very honest Gentlemen, of peaceable Dispositions, that used to sit together, smoak their Pipes, and say nothing 'till Midnight. The
Mum
Club (as I am informed) is an Institution of the same Nature, and as great an Enemy to Noise.
After these two innocent Societies, I cannot forbear mentioning a very mischievous one, that was erected in the Reign of King
Charles
the Second: I mean
the Club of Duellists
, in which none was to be admitted that had not fought his Man. The President of it was said to have killed half a dozen in single Combat; and as for the other Members, they took their Seats according to the number of their Slain. There was likewise a Side-Table for such as had only drawn Blood, and shown a laudable Ambition of taking the first Opportunity to qualify themselves for the first Table. This Club, consisting only of Men of Honour, did not continue long, most of the Members of it being put to the Sword, or hanged, a little after its Institution.