Mercury.—­You reason well against him.  But how comes it that you are so offended with murder; you, who have frequently massacred women in their sleep, and children in the cradle?

Savage.—­I killed none but my enemies.  I never killed my own countrymen.  I never killed my friend.  Here, take my blanket, and let it come over in the boat, but see that the murderer does not sit upon it, or touch it.  If he does, I will burn it instantly in the fire I see yonder.  Farewell!  I am determined to swim over the water.

Mercury.—­By this touch of my wand I deprive thee of all thy strength.  Swim now if thou canst.

Savage.—­This is a potent enchanter.  Restore me my strength, and I promise to obey thee.

Mercury.—­I restore it:  but be orderly, and do as I bid you; otherwise worse will befall you.

Duellist.—­Mercury, leave him to me.  I’ll tutor him for you.  Sirrah, savage, dost thou pretend to be ashamed of my company?  Dost thou know I have kept the best company in England?

Savage.—­I know thou art a scoundrel!  Not pay thy debts! kill thy friend who lent thee money for asking thee for it!  Get out of my sight!  I will drive thee into Styx!

Mercury.—­Stop!  I command thee.  No violence!  Talk to him calmly.

Savage.—­I must obey thee.  Well, sir, let me know what merit you had to introduce you into good company?  What could you do?

Duellist.—­Sir, I gamed, as I told you.  Besides, I kept a good table.  I eat as well as any man either in England or France.

Savage.—­Eat!  Did you ever eat the liver of a Frenchman, or his leg, or his shoulder!  There is fine eating!  I have eat twenty.  My table was always well served.  My wife was esteemed the best cook for the dressing of man’s flesh in all North America.  You will not pretend to compare your eating with mine?

Duellist.—­I danced very finely.

Savage.—­I’ll dance with thee for thy ears:  I can dance all day long.  I can dance the war-dance with more spirit than any man of my nation.  Let us see thee begin it.  How thou standest like a post!  Has Mercury struck thee with his enfeebling rod? or art thou ashamed to let us see how awkward thou art?  If he would permit me, I would teach thee to dance in a way that thou hast never yet learnt.  But what else canst thou do, thou bragging rascal?

Duellist.—­O heavens! must I bear this?  What can I do with this fellow?  I have neither sword nor pistol.  And his shade seems to be twice as strong as mine.

Mercury.—­You must answer his questions.  It was your own desire to have a conversation with him.  He is not well bred; but he will tell you some truths which you must necessarily hear, when you come before Rhadamanthus.  He asked you what you could do besides eating and dancing.