here
it should be impossible for you to defend yourself, the fight shall be
stopped until such time as ye shall again be upon an equal footing.
Both Sir Frederick and I do insist that this rule shall be observed,
otherwise we do refuse to act. Should either of you take advantage of
your opponent's being unarmed or placed _hors de combat_, and so take
his life, the one so breaking this rule shall be proclaimed a coward
throughout the length and breadth of England. This shall be his
punishment for his unknightly conduct. Have I made all perfectly
clear?"

We both replied in the affirmative, and agreed to be bound by this
rule, which was a very humane and fair one.

Ratcliffe then took his place behind Catesby, and Harleston behind me.

The signal was then given, and we approached each other cautiously,
each looking for an opening. Then our swords came together with a
sharp click, and slid along each other like two icicles being rubbed
together. The moment I felt his sword against mine I knew that I had
not been misinformed when I heard that Catesby was a pupil of one of
the greatest swordsmen in Europe. His wrist was like steel, and his
point began to play on either side of mine with such rapidity as warned
me to stand on the defensive until I got more used to his ways.
Suddenly he lunged with murderous and savage swiftness, his point aimed
at my heart. I met him with a quick and firm guard, and for the next
few moments we did content ourselves with sounding each other with an
occasional lunge. Then he changed his tactics, in the twinkling of an
eye, and flew at me like lightning. His sword seemed everywhere at
once. I felt a sharp sting in my sword arm, as his weapon scratched
it. Then I felt it higher up and near unto my shoulder. I slowly
began to give ground, as it had been the part of a fool to stand still
in an attack of this kind, which I knew could be of no long duration.
In this I was right; for seeing that he could not reach my chest, and
that he was soon wearing himself out with this furious pace, he slowed
his attack somewhat and made more careful lunges. I now saw that I
could, in a short time, wear down his strength, by keeping a cool head
and a wary eye. Soon I touched him lightly on the shoulder, and had
the satisfaction of seeing his shirt stained with his blood. This,
however, seemed to refresh him; for he made another of his fierce
attacks, which again compelled me to give ground. In