It is worth remembering the silliness of the quarrel, and is a
kind of emblem of the general complexion of this whole kingdom at
present. They two dined yesterday at Sir Robert Carr's [M.P.
Knight and Baronet, of Sleaford, Lincolnshire, and one of the
proposed knights of the Royal Oak for that county.] where it
seems people do drink high, all that come. It happened that
these two, the greatest friends in the world, were talking
together: and Sir H. Bellasses talked a little louder than
ordinary to Tom Porter, giving of him some advice. Some of the
company standing by said, "What! are they quarrelling, that they
talk so high?" Sir H. Bellasses hearing it, said, "No!" says
he: "I would have you know I never quarrel, but I strike; and
take that as a rule of mine!" "How?" says Tom Porter, "strike! I
would I could see the man in England that durst give me a blow!"
with that Sir H. Bellasses did give him a box of the ears; and so
they were going to fight there, but were hindered. And by and by
Tom Porter went out, and meeting Dryden the poet, told him of the
business, and that he was resolved to fight Sir H.
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