Page:Hudibras - Volume 1 (Butler, Nash, Bohn; 1859).djvu/184

106 I am not apt, upon a wound, Or trivial basting, to despond; Yet I'd be loath my days to curta'l; For if I thought my wounds not mortal, Or that we'd time enough as yet To make an honourable retreat, 'Twere the best course; but if they find We fly, and leave our arms behind For them to seize on, the dishonour, And danger too, is such, I'll sooner Stand to it boldly, and take quarter, To let them see I am no starter. In all the trade of war no feat Is nobler than a brave retreat: For those that run away, and fly, Take place at least o' th' enemy. This said, the Squire, with active speed, Dismounted from his bony steed To seize the arms, which by mischance Fell from the bold Knight in a trance. These being found out, and restor'd To Hudibras, their natural lord, As a man may say, with might and main, He hasted to get up again.