And till all four were out of wind, Of lungs, for action or discourse : Quoth he, That man is sure to lose For though the law of arms doth bar Else when we put it to the push, But if this bold adventure e'er Do chance to reach the Widow's ear, It may, being destin'd to assert And as such homely treats, (they say) Swear I've perform'd what she enjoin'd. Q 2 HUDIBRAS. PART II. CANTO III. ARGUMENT. The Knight, with various doubts possess'd, Of Sidrophel the Rosycrucian, To know the Dest'nies' resolution; With whom being met, they both chop logic About the science astrologic; Till falling from dispute to fight, The Conjurer's worsted by the Knight. DOUBTLESS the pleasure is as great Others believe no voice to' an organ So sweet as lawyer's in his bar-gown, Until with subtle cobweb-cheats They're caught in knotted law, like nets; Others still gape to' anticipate What shall, and what shall never be : That out of garbages of cattle Presag'd the' events of truce or battle; As in due time and place we'll shew: |