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

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, 695
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. 700
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 705
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, 710
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, 715
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; 720
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,^[1]
Courage, the day at length is ours, 725
And we once more as conquerors,
Have both the field and honour won,
The foe is profligate,^[2] and run;

1. A parody on a phrase continually recurring in Homer.
2. That is, routed: from the Latin, profligo, to put to flight.