Page:Hudibras - Volume 1 (Butler, Nash, Bohn; 1859).djvu/131

CANTO II.] Did very learnedly decide The business on the horse's side; And proved not only horse, but cows, Nay pigs, were of the elder house: For beasts, when man was but a piece Of earth himself, did th' earth possess. These worthies were the chief that led The combatants, each in the head Of his command, with arms and rage Ready and longing to engage. The numerous rabble was drawn out Of several countries round about, From villages remote, and shires, Of east and western hemispheres. From foreign parishes and regions, Of different manners, speech, religions, Came men and mastiffs; some to fight For fame and honour, some for sight. And now the field of death, the lists, Were enter'd by antagonists. And blood was ready to be broach'd, When Hudibras in haste approach'd, With Squire and weapons to attack 'em; But first thus from his horse bespake 'em:
 * What rage, O Citizens! what fury

Doth you to these dire actions hurry?