Page:The genuine remains in verse and prose of Mr. Samuel Butler (1759), volume 1.djvu/369

 reverend Parts cheap and despicable in the Eyes of the Rabble.

Some are of Opinion, that Honour is seated in that Part only, chiefly at least: for it is observed, that a small Kick on that Part does more hurt and wound Honour, than a cut on the Head or Face, or a Stab or Shot of a Pistol on any other Part of the Body. And hence it is, that in all Combats all the rest of the Members are ready to expose themselves to any Danger to screen the Breech; as if the whole outward Man were but a Life-Guard to that Part: and he, that by turning his Back, exposes that to Danger, is ever after branded with the ignominious Name of a Coward.

The ancient Heroes were wont to wear Horse-Tails in their Helmets, as our young Gallants do Ostrich Tails in their Hats; from whence we may infer, that it hath been the Consent of all Ages, that the Head can receive no greater Ornament than that which is conferred on it by the Tail. And in all funeral Pomps and public Shews, he that hath the longest Tail to his Robe is understood to be the most honou-