Tuberville v. Savage

If a man lay his hand upon his sword and say, "If it were not assize-time, I would not take such language," this is no assault.

Action of assault, battery, and wounding. The evidence to prove a provocation was that the plaintiff put his hand upon his sword and said, "If it were not assize-time, I would not take such language from you." - The question was, If that were an assault? The Court agreed that it was not; for the declaration of the plaintiff was, that he would not assault him, the Judges being in town; and the intention as well as the act makes an assault. Therefore if one strike another upon the hand, or arm, or breast in discourse, it is no assault, there being no intention to assault; but if one, intending to assault, strike at another and miss him, this is an assault; so if he hold up his hand against another in a threatening manner and say nothing, it is an assault - In the principal case the plaintiff had judgment.