Page:Hudibras - Volume 1 (Butler, Nash, Bohn; 1859).djvu/180

102 And to their wills we must succumb, Quocunque trahunt, 'tis our doom. This is the same numeric crew Which we so lately did subdue; The self-same individuals that Did run, as mice do from a cat, When we courageously did wield Our martial weapons in the field, To tug for victory: and when We shall our shining blades agen Brandish in terror o'er our heads, They 'll straight resume their wonted dreads. Fear is an ague, that forsakes And haunts, by fits, those whom it takes; And they'll opine they feel the pain And blows they felt to-day, again. Then let us boldly charge them home, And make no doubt to overcome. This said, his courage to inflame, He call'd upon his mistress' name; His pistol next he cock'd anew, And out his nut-brown whinyard drew; And placing Ralpho in the front, Reserv'd himself to bear the brunt, As expert warriors use; then ply'd, With iron heel, his courser's side, Conveying sympathetic speed From heel of Knight to heel of steed. Meanwhile the foe, with equal rage And speed, advancing to engage. Both parties now were drawn so close, Almost to come to handy-blows: When Orsin first let fly a stone At Ralpho; not so huge a one