Page:Hudibras - Volume 1 (Butler, Nash, Bohn; 1859).djvu/75

CANTO I.] The beast was sturdy, large, and tall, With mouth of meal, and eyes of wall; I would say eye, for h' had but one, As most agree, though some say none. He was well stay'd, and in his gait, Preserv'd a grave, majestic state. At spur or switch no more he skipt. Or mended pace, than Spaniard whipt: And yet so fiery, he would bound, As if he grieved to touch the ground: That Cæsar's horse, who, as fame goes, Had corns upon his feet and toes, Was not by half so tender-hooft, Nor trod upon the ground so soft: And as that beast would kneel and stoop, Some write, to take his rider up: So Hudibras his, 'tis well known. Would often do, to set him down. We shall not need to say what lack Of leather was upon his back: For that was hidden under pad, And breech of Knight gall'd full as bad. His strutting ribs on both sides show'd Like furrows he himself had plow'd: For underneath the skirt of pannel, 'Twixt every two there was a channel. His draggling tail hung in the dirt, Which on his rider he would flirt, Still as his tender side he prickt, With arm'd heel, or with unarm'd, kickt: For Hudibras wore but one spur. As wisely knowing, could he stir