Ten Duel Commandments

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine

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

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine

Number— ten paces! Fire!