The Count of Monte Cristo

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"No, no, I will be on the ground at the proper time; but in my opinion
(and I have a right to dictate the preliminaries, as it is I who have
received the provocation)--in my opinion the time ought not to be yet.
I know you to be well skilled in the management of the sword, while I am
only moderately so; I know, too, that you are a good marksman--there we
are about equal. I know that a duel between us two would be a serious
affair, because you are brave, and I am brave also. I do not therefore
wish either to kill you, or to be killed myself without a cause. Now, I
am going to put a question to you, and one very much to the purpose too.
Do you insist on this retractation so far as to kill me if I do not make
it, although I have repeated more than once, and affirmed on my honor,
that I was ignorant of the thing with which you charge me, and although
I still declare that it is impossible for any one but you to recognize
the Count of Morcerf under the name of Fernand?"

"I maintain my original resolution."