An Anecdote About William Hazlitt (1778-1830)
From Moore, Journals (9/9/1820), ii. 146.

John Lamb (the brother of Charles) once knocked down Hazlitt, who was impertinent to him; and on those who were present interfering and begging Hazlitt to shake hands and forgive him, Hazlitt said,

'Well, I don't care if I do. I am a metaphysician, and do not mind a blow; nothing but an idea hurts me.'