This is the case of many a cowardly bully in the world. He is disposed
to be imperious and tyrannical, and to insult his companions, and takes
all opportunities of acting according to his inclination; but yet is
cautious where he makes his haunts, and takes care to have to do only
with a herd of rascally people, as vile and mean as himself. A man of
courage quashes him with a word; and he who has threatened death in
every sentence, for a twelvemonth together, to those whom he knew it
would affright, at the very frown of an intrepid man has leaped out of a
window. It is no unpleasant sight to be present when any of these
gentlemen happen to be disarmed of their terror before the face of their
humble admirers: there is a strange boisterous struggle betwixt fear,
shame, and revenge, which blinds them with confusion; and, though they
would fain exert a little courage, and show themselves men, yet, they
know not how; there is something within which will not suffer them to do
it. The predominance of nature will show itself, upon occasion, in its
true colours, through all the disguises which artful men endeavour to
throw over it. Cowardice, particularly, gives us but the more suspicion
when it would conceal itself under an affected fierceness; as they who
would smother an ill smell by a cloud of perfume, are imagined to be
but the more offensive. When we have done all, Nature will remain what
she was, and show herself whenever she is called upon; therefore
whatever we do in contradiction to her laws, is so forced and affected,
that it must needs expose and make us ridiculous. We talk nonsense when
we would argue against it: like Teague, who being asked why he fled from
his colours, said, his heart was as good as any in the regiment; but
protested his cowardly legs would run away with him whatever he could
do.