Page:Hudibras - Volume 1 (Butler, Nash, Bohn; 1859).djvu/187

CANTO III.] To bear thee company in death: But first I'll halt awhile, and breathe. As well he might: for Orsin griev'd At th' wound that Cerdon had receiv'd, Ran to relieve him with his lore, And cure the hurt he made before. Meanwhile the Knight had wheel'd about, To breathe himself, and next find out Th' advantage of the ground, where best He might the ruffled foe infest. This b'ing resolv'd, he spurr'd his steed, To run at Orsin with full speed, While he was busy in the care Of Cordon's wound, and unaware: But he was quick, and had already Unto the part apply'd remedy; And seeing th' enemy prepar'd, Drew up, and stood upon his guard: Then, like a warrior, right expert And skilful in the martial art, The subtle Knight straight made a halt, And judg'd it best to stay th' assault, Until he had reliev'd the Squire, And then, in order, to retire; Or, as occasion should invite, With forces join'd renew the fight. Ralpho, by this time disentranc'd. Upon his bum himself advanc'd, Though sorely bruis'd; his limbs all o'er, With ruthless bangs were stiff and sore; Bight fain he would have got upon His feet again, to get him gone; When Hudibras to aid him came. Quoth he, and call'd him by his name, Courage, the day at length is ours, And we once more as conquerors, Have both the field and honour won, The foe is profligate, and run;