us:--"If you suppose that I like to be called a coward, you are
all very much mistaken; or if you think me one, I assure you that
you are not less so; for no boy in the school should, if put to
the trial, show greater resolution than myself. Indeed, I think
it no small proof of patience that I have borne your repeated
insults so long; when I could, by behaving more like a savage
beast, and less like a reasonable creature, have established my
character at once; but I abhor quarrelling, my soul detests to
treat my fellow-creatures as if they were brutes, from whose fangs
I must defend myself; but if nothing else but fighting will
convince you that I possess not less courage than yourselves, I
will now offer, in cold blood, to engage with the biggest boy in
the school. If I conquer him, it will be a sign that I know how
to defend myself; and if he conquers me, I will, by my behaviour,
give a proof that I am not wanting in resolution to suffer pain,
although I never will so far demean the character of a reasonable
creature and a Christian, as to fight upon every trifling
disagreement or insult." No sooner had he uttered these words,
than every boy present was loud either in his commendation or
condemnation. One quarter of them, convinced of the justness of
his arguments, highly extolled his forbearance; whilst the other
three parts, with still greater noise, only called him a bully and
a mean-spirited coward, who dared not fight, and for that reason
made such a fine speech, hoping to intimidate them. "Well then,"
said he, "if such is your opinion, why will none of you accept my
offer? you surely cannot be afraid, you who are such brave
fellows, of such true courage, and such noble spirits, cannot be
afraid of a coward and a bully! Why, therefore, does not one of
you step forward, and put my fine speech to the test? Otherwise,
after I have thus challenged you all, I hope none for the future