WHereas it is become too frequent , especially with Persons of Quality , under a vain pretence of Honour , to take upon them to be the Revengers of their private Quarrels by Duel , and single Combate , which ought not to be , upon any pretence or provocation whatsoever ; We considering that the Sin of Murther is detestable before GOD , and this way of prosecuting satisfaction , Scandalous to Christian Religion , and the manifest Violation of Our Laws and Authority , out of Our Pious Care to prevent unChristian and rash effusion of Bloud , do by this Our Royal Proclamation strictly Charge and Command all Our Loving Subjects of what Quality soever , That they do not either by themselves , or by others , by Message , Word , Writing , or other ways or means Challenge , or cause to be Challenged , any person or persons to Fight in Combate , or single Duel , nor carry , accept , or conceal any such Challenge or Appointment , nor actually Fight any such Duel with any of Our Subjects or others , or as a Second , or otherwise accompany or become Assistant therein . And We do hereby , to the intent that all persons may take care to prevent the Dangers they may incur by acting or assisting in any such Duel , Declare Our Royal Pleasure , That We will not Grant Our Pardon to any person or persons that shall Fight , or be any way aiding or concerned in any such Duel where any person shall be slain , or die of his Wounds received therein , but will leave all such persons to the utmost rigour and severity of the Laws : And further , That We will not suffer or endure any person or persons to be or remain in Our Court , who shall presume to intercede in the behalf of any person or persons that shall Offend contrary to this Our Proclamation . And for the better avoiding all such Duels , We do hereby straitly Charge and Command all person and persons whatsoever who shall receive or know of any Challenge sent or delivered as aforesaid , That they do forthwith give notice thereof to some of Our Privy Council , or otherwise to some Iustice of Peace near the place where such Offence shall be committed , upon pain of Our highest Displeasure , and being left to be proceéded against according to the strictest rigout and severity of the Laws .