| Citation |
MG-A(G.754.008
21 Feb 1754:23 (459)
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 they 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 danc'd, and
tho' in his boots and riding dress, Du Vall performed
wonderfull both in footing and singing; and when the dancing
was over he handed the lady into the coach again: But
stopp'd 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 seat of the coach
pulls out a hundred pound bag, and delivers it to him. Du
Vall took it with a good deal of 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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