And here I come and saw the first prize I ever saw in my life:
and it was between one Mathews, who did beat at all weapons, and
one Westwicke, who was soundly cut several times both in the head
and legs, that he was all over blood: and other deadly blows
they did give and take in very good earnest, till Westwicke was
in a sad pickle. They fought at eight weapons, three boutes at
each weapon. This being upon a private quarrel, they did it in
good earnest; and I felt one of the swords, and found it to be
very little, if at all blunter on the edge, than the common
swords are. Strange to see what a deal of money is flung to them
both upon the stage between every boute. This day I hear at
Court of the great plot which was lately discovered in Ireland,
made among the Presbyters and others, designing to cry up the
Covenant, and to secure Dublin Castle and other places; and they
have debauched a good part of the army there, promising them
ready money. Some of the Parliament there, they say, are guilty,
and some withdrawn upon it; several persons taken, and among
others a son of Scott's, that was executed here for the King's
murder.
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