ROGER DE MONBERT.
XXXVII.
EDGAR DE MEILHAN
to the
COUNT DE VILLIERS,
Château de Villiers, via Guéret (Creuse).
PARIS, Aug. 16th 18—.
Noble hidalgo, illustrious knight of la Mancha; you who are so fond of adventures and chivalric deeds, I am about to make you a proposition which, I hope, will suit your taste: a fight with sharp weapons, be it lance, or axe, or dagger; a struggle to the death, showing neither pity nor quarter. I know beforehand what you are going to say: Your native generosity will prevent you from fighting a duel with your friend. In the first place, I am not your friend; traitors have not that honor. Do not let that scruple stop you, refined gentleman.