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Ca. 14.

A certeine gentleman complaineth of an othe
that he had spoken reprochfull wordes of him & thus he
spake in ye presence of a gent that made pfession of armes
who heringe this complainte promysed to geve the lie to him
that had vsed such speache, and in case he did not so doe, he
wolde be reputed a Cowarde and dishonnored. Yet not wth:
standinge his brave promise, did not at anie time offer the lie
as he said he wolde. Whereuppon the gentleman doothe
chardge him wth [?], or otherwise he wolde call him to com:
bat as one yt had failed of his honnor. The Souldiers
answered that he wolde not come to combat, but yf he did
it not he was contente to be defamed. This matter beinge
examined by a Iudge in armes, yt was demaunded whether
he sholde be forced to answere the combatt or not? And
it was concluded he sholde not. ffor the souldier in not
havinge performed his promise deserueth none other pu:
nishment then that wch he appointed vnto him selfe wch is
to be proclaimed a Cowarde and dishonnorable, wch shall
in such a Case suffize, and other combatt shall not be
needefull.

Whether A woman maye fighte
personallie, or by champion.

Ca. 15.

A Certeine Ladie beinge defamed by
a gentlema, and beinge ielous of her honnor, did geve
him the lie in his throte as a Ribalde & a traitor, and ther:
wthall offred him defiaunce and combat, the gent answe:
red, it was the profession of weomen to spinne & not to
fighte, the question is whether he might refuze such a
Challenge, and not to answere the quarrell of a woman
or not. Accordinge to an auntient booke called the lawe of