Page:Hudibras - Volume 2 (Butler, Nash, Bohn; 1859).djvu/76

256 But Sidrophel, who from the aspect Of Hudibras, did now erect A figure worse portending far, Than that of most malignant star; Believ'd it now the fittest moment To shun the danger that might come on't, While Hudibras was all alone, And he and Whachum, two to one: This being resolv'd, he spy'd by chance, Behind the door an iron lance, That many a sturdy limb had gor'd, And legs, and loins, and shoulders bor'd; He snatch'd it up, and made a pass, To make his way thro' Hudibras. Whachum had got a fire-fork, With which he vow'd to do his work; But Hudibras was well prepar'd. And stoutly stood upon his guard: He put by Sidrophello's thrust, And in right manfully he rusht, The weapon from his gripe he wrung. And laid him on the earth along. Whachum his sea-coal prong threw by, And basely turn'd his back to fly; But Hudibras gave him a twitch As quick as lightning in the breech. Just in the place where honour's lodg'd, As wise philosophers have judg'd; Because a kick in that part more Hurts honour, than deep wounds before. Quoth Hudibras, The stars determine You are my prisoners, base vermin. Could they not tell you so, as well As what I came to know, foretell?