YORKSHIRE FIGHTING.

Discussion in 'Western Martial Arts' started by Louie, Nov 10, 2008.

  1. Louie

    Louie STUNT DAD Supporter

    From an 1822 source...
    YORKSHIRE FIGHTING.
    From Mr. RYLEY'S "Itinerant."

    At length the company were summoned into
    the barn, to witness a battle between two noted
    Yorkshire fighters. Amidst the crowd I perceived
    two men naked to their waists lying 'on
    the ground, grappling each other, perfectly silent,
    and sometimes pretty still ; then, as if moved
    by one impulse, a desperate scuffle took place ;
    soon, however, the one extricated himself, quickly
    obtained his legs, and retreating some paces,
    returned with great violence, and before his antagonist
    could rise, kicked in three of his ribs :
    the vanquished lay prostrate, whilst the victor
    stamped and roared like a madman, challenging
    all around.

    Retiring to my seat in the house,
    disgusted with Yorkshire Fighting, I determined
    to finish my wine, and leave the brutes to the
    enjoyment of their brutality, when a laughable
    circumstance detained me, and in some measure
    made amends for the misery I had suffered. —
    There is, I believe, a respectable personage, who
    amongst amateurs in sporting, bears the appellation
    of a Belward, a gentleman who gets his
    livelihood by leading a bear by the nose front
    village to village ; such an one now arrived at
    this public house, and placing his companion in
    the pigsty, seated himself by the fire, and called
    for a pint of ale. The Yorkshire warrior, elated
    with his victory, and intoxicated with liquor,
    went from room to room, and bade defiance to
    every one ; on entering the kitchen, he espied
    the Belward, who, being a stout fellow, and a
    noted pugilist, was immediately requested to
    take a turn with himn— " No, no," replied the
    stranger, " I dont like Yorkshire fighting; hugging,
    biting, and kicking, does not suit me ; but

    I have a friend without who is used to them
    there things : if you like, I'll fetch, him in ?" "
    Ay, ay, dom him, fot him in : I'll fight ony
    mon i' th country." The Belward repaired to
    the pigsty, and brought forth Bruin, who from
    a large sized quadruped, was changed instantly
    to a most tremendous biped. In this erect posture
    he entered the house, and as it was nearly
    dark, the intoxicated countryman was the more
    easily imposed upon — " Dom thee," he said, "
    I'll fight a better mon than thee, either up
    or down," and made an attempt to seize him
    round the middle, but feeling the roughness of
    his hide, he exclaimed — " Come, come, I'll tak
    no advantage ; poo off thy top coat, and I'll
    fight thee for a crown."
    The bear not regarding this request, cave him
    such a hug as 'tis probable he never before experienced ;
    it nearly pressed the breath out of
    his body, and proved, what was before doubted,
    that there was as great a bear in the village as
    himself.

    Louie
     

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