A Polish prince this week challenged Nigel Farage to a duel. The prince, Yanek Zylinski, blames Farage and Ukip for anti-Polish sentiment in the UK so he’s suggesting they meet in Hyde Park with their swords one morning. The Spectator of 1838 would be disappointed that 21st century princes are still throwing down gauntlets:
The pretence on which duelling has been defended – that it serves to polish society – is untenable. The witty Mr Whistlecraft, indeed, speaking of King Arthur’s Knights, avers that:
“Their looks and gestures, eager, sharp, and quick, Showed them prepared, on proper provocation, To give the lie, pull noses, stab and kick, Which is the very reason, it is said, They were so very courteous and well-bred.”
But, in really good society, the “proper provocation” would never be given; and this is the condition to which we must look forward, before we can hope to get rid of duels. Some approach to it has been made during the present century; and the time may come when to “go out” with a royal duke will be voted vulgar.
Vulgar or not, Charles Saatchi was so enraged by one of Taki’s columns last year that he
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