| Citation |
BNL.754.001
3 Jan 1754:11 (2687)
A polite robbery on the highway by Mons. Du Vall a French
Footman, much admired by the ladies. This highwayman in
company with four others overtakes a coach on Turnham-Green,
which they had set over-night, having intelligence of a
booty of four hundred pounds in it. In the coach was a
knight, his lady, and only one maid servant, who perceiving
five horsemen making up to them, presently imagined they
were beset: and they were confirmed in this apprehension by
seeing them whisper to one another, and ride backwards and
forwards. But as there appeared no way of escaping, the
lady, to shew she was not afraid, and to insinuate she had
nothing to lose, takes a flagelet out of her pocket and
plays: Du Vall who amongst his accomplishments of dancing
singing, &c. delighted in that instrument, takes the hint,
and tuning his own flagelet excellently well, approaches the
side of the coach in that posture; and addressing himself to
the Knight, Sir, said he, your lady plays charmingly; and I
doubt not but that she dances as well: will you please to
walk out of the coach, and let me have the honour to dance
one minuet with her on the green? The knight replied, I
dare not deny any thing to one of your quality and good
nature: you seem a gentleman, and your request is very
reasonable; and ordering the footman to open the door, Du
Vall leaps lightly off his horse, and hands the lady out of
the coach. They danced, and tho' in his boots and riding
dress, Du Vall performed wonderful both in footing and
singing; and when the dancing was over he handed the lady
into the coach again: but stopt the knight as he followed
his lady, telling him he had forgot to pay the music; no, I
have not, replies the knight; and putting his hand under the
feat of the coach pulls out a hundred pound bag, and
delivers it to him. Du Vall took it with a good grace, and
courteously answered; Sir, you are liberal, and shall have
no cause to repent your being so: This liberality of yours
shall excuse you the other three hundred pounds, and civilly
took his leave.
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