Note 395 — Chapter XXIV · SWORD-PLAY AND OTHER SPORTS. GARDEN, ETC.
Reading edition
Looking at the class from which these gladiators sprang, it is not surprising to hear that some of these prize fights were prearranged, or, to use modern slang, 'squared.' In Spectator 449 is a letter, from which the following is an extract: 'Being in a Box at an Alehouse, near that renowned Seat of Honour above mentioned,[395] I overheard two Masters of the Science agreeing to quarrel on the next Opportunity. This was to happen in the Company of a Set of the Fraternity of Basket Hilts, who were to meet that Evening. When this was settled, one asked the other, Will you give Cuts or receive? the other answered, Receive. It was replied, Are you a Passionate Man? No, provided you cut no more nor no deeper than we agree.'