Ten Duel Commandments

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1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
It's the ten duel commandments
It's the ten duel commandments
Number one!
The challenge, demand satisfaction
If they apologize, no need for further action
Number two!
If they don't, grab a friend, that's your second
Your Lieutenant, when there's reckoning to be reckoned
Number three!
Have your seconds meet face to face
Negotiate a peace
Or negotiate a time and place
This is commonplace, 'specially 'tween recruits
Most disputes die and no one shoots
Number four!
If they don't reach a peace, that's alright
Time to get some pistols and a doctor on site
You pay him in advance, you treat him with civility
You have him turn around, so he can have deniability
Five!
Duel before the sun is in the sky
Pick a place to die where it's high and dry
Number six!
Leave a note for your next of kin
Tell 'em where you been
Pray that Hell or Heaven lets you in
Seven!
Confess your sins
Ready for the moment of adrenaline
When you finally face your opponent
Number eight!
Your last chance to negotiate
Send in your seconds
See if they can set the record straight
Alexander
Aaron Burr, sir
Can we agree that duels are dumb and immature?
Sure
But your man has to answer for his words, Burr
With his life?
We both know that's absurd, sir
Hang on, how many men died because Lee was inexperienced and ruinous?
Okay, so we're doing this
Number nine!
Look him in the eye, aim no higher
Summon all the courage you require
Then count
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Number (Ten paces!) Fire!

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