Page:Hudibras - Volume 1 (Butler, Nash, Bohn; 1859).djvu/177

CANTO III.] But all in vain: her subtle snout Did quickly wind his meaning out; Which she return'd with too much scorn, To be by man of honour borne; Yet much he bore, until the distress He suffer'd from his spightful mistress Did stir his stomach, and the pain He had endur'd from her disdain Turn'd to regret so resolute, That he resolv'd to wave his suit, And either to renounce her quite, Or for a while play least in sight. This resolution b'ing put on, He kept some months, and more had done, But being brought so nigh by fate, The vict'ry he achiev'd so late Did set his thoughts agog, and ope A door to discontinu'd hope, That seem'd to promise he might win His dame too, now his hand was in; And that his valour, and the honour He 'ad newly gain'd, might work upon her: These reasons made his mouth to water, With am'rous longings to be at her. Thought he unto himself, who knows But this brave conquest o'er my foes May reach her heart, and make that stoop, As I but now have forc'd the troop? If nothing can oppugne love, And virtue invious ways can prove. What may not he confide to do That brings both love and virtue too? But thou bring'st valour too, and wit, Two things that seldom fail to hit. Valour's a mouse-trap, wit a gin, Which women oft are taken in: