Page:Hudibras - Volume 1 (Butler, Nash, Bohn; 1859).djvu/157

CANTO II.] But, Sir, 'twou'd wrong your valour much, To say it needs, or fears a crutch. Great conqu'rors greater glory gain By foes in triumph led, than slain: The laurels that adorn their brows Are pull'd from living, not dead boughs, And living foes: the greatest fame Of cripple slain can be but lame: One half of him's already slain. The other is not worth your pain; Th' honour can but on one side light, As worship did, when y' were dubb'd Knight. Wherefore I think it better far To keep him prisoner of war; And let him fast in bonds abide, At court of justice to be try'd; Where, if h' appear so bold or crafty, There may be danger in his safety: If any member there dislike His face, or to his beard have pike; Or if his death will save, or yield Revenge or fright, it is reveal'd; Tho' he has quarter, ne'ertheless T' have pow'r to hang him when you please. This has been often done by some Of our great conqu'rors, you know whom: