Page:Witty and entertaining exploits of George Buchanan (12).pdf/3

 being sadly vexed at this affront given to him by George, sent him a challenge to fight him, appointing day and place where they were to meet. Being to fight on hore back, George gets an old stiff horse, and, for harnessing, covers him about with blown bladders, with small stones in each, without either sword or spear; and away to the field he goes, where the duel was appointed. So when George saw his enemy coming against him, all in glittering armour, armed with word and spear, he made up to him with all the peed his horse could carry him; when the mall tones in the bladders made such a rattling noise, that the gentleman's fine gelding would not stand the battle but ran away, and threw his master to the ground; which caused all the spectators laugh, and say, the gentleman was more fool than George. The gentleman being still more enraged at this econd affront, he would fight with George on foot, but his friends peruaded him, that it would be no honour for him to fight and kill the King's fool; and far les to be killed by the fool. So they were advied both to agree. But the gentleman would try another exploit with George, for to have it aid he was still the cleverest man, viz. To hold him jumping-bout publicly, the next day thereafter. With all my heart, says George, and we will end in and about where we began, they not knowing his meaning in this. The place and hour being set, where they were to meet next morning, George, in the night time, caused a deep pi