Page:Angelo's Pic Nic.djvu/91

 AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE unpleasant to those he fenced with. Not stucceeding in his attack, sooner than defend himself (no matter if he is hit) against the risposte (return), instead of replacing himself on his defence, kept pushing (more appropriate poking) on. This is not the science of the attack and defence, and quite the reverse to the use of the sword. If I have been prolix, dwelling so much on my late shop, I trust those who read my opinions will excuse my pen wandering, referring to those days when I had the general esteem and friendly notice of my scholars; it was not my pen then, but "my voice is in my sword." Referring to Monsieur Alicheles; on taking my leave, he would not suffer me to depart without first partaking of a gouté with him, when we were all ushered up stairs, where I found a table set out, with a large Perigord French pie, and different sorts of wine, when the foil gave way to the o rhette; the latter, if not so quick, not a little in motion, assisted by the exertion of the former, to promote the appetite After, coffee, and chasse café liqueurs, beholding his portrait in a costly hussar dress, covered with silver, and the cross of the Legion d'honneur, I was informed he had been a captain in Buonaparte's guard; and judging from his affable manners, and his civilities to me, the more T was pleased with my introduction, and at pang such a orning's agreeable lounge so unexpectedly. In mentioning my recollections of many years ago, what I have said of my accomplished friend, his indefatigable perseverance to improve his mind and his person (no compliment either to the Grecian suvant or his fencing master), I should hope, knowing his goodness of heart, he cannot be offended with me. His father, whom I had long known, and had often seen at my house, having formerly been an officer in the blues, was considered one of the first horsemen 29