and there was an old gentleman who shall be nameless , being too rich a mynheer to be lightly mentioned , who , in the battle of white plains , being an excellent master of defence , parried a musket-ball with a small sword , insomuch that he absolutely felt it whiz round the blade , and glance off at the hilt ; in proof of which he was ready at any time to show the sword , with the hilt a little bent .