The Romance of Duelling in All Times and Countries (Volume 2) - Tapa blanda

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1868. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... 249 CHAPTER XI. DUELS IN FRANCE FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY. The following picture of the period to which we are approaching will throw much light on the character of the duels it produced. The social body in France was to undergo a total renovation and reform. "The long despotism of Louis XIV. had brutalized the public mind, and rendered it unfit to receive any generous impressions, or to be capable of any noble reaction against tyranny. The nation was sick of glory, and of a magnificence which had drained its wealth. Still, it murmured silently and moodily, as perhaps it murmurs at the present day, until master minds should appear to bring these elements of discord into action. Apathy had succeeded energetic deeds, and indolence ushered in vice stripped of all its gaudy, attractive fascination, and in all its natural baseness and turpitude. Philip d'Orleans, Regent of the kingdom during the minority of Louis XV., plunged the Court into every possible species of debauch; and the polished gallantry of former days was succeeded by the most degrading excesses. Libertinism, in all its hideous deformity, no longer sought the concealment of a prudent mask; but profligacy was considered fashionable, consequently the pride and boast of its votaries. Yice had become the reigning ton, and, where a blush was raised, it was upon the conviction of having performed a virtuous action. Abandoned to all the voluptuousness of a profligate Court, the Regent displayed neither authority nor energy in repressing evils, and only considered the possession of power valuable as being the means of commanding fresh pleasures. The former edicts on duelling were now disregarded, since the laws were not enforced, and no punishment a...