CHAPTER VI.

EARLY DUELLING IN FRANCE.

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