Both kinds of metal he prepar'd, Either to give blows, or to ward; Courage and steel, both of great force, 85 Prepar❜d for better or for worse. His death-charg'd pistols he did fit well, These being prim'd with force he labour'd And rais'd upon his desp'rate foot, Rang'd, as to him they did appear, 95 100 105 174449B Instead of trumpet and of drum, That makes the warrior's stomach come, Whose noise whets valour sharp, like beer By thunder turn'd to vinegar; (For if a trumpet sound, or drum beat, Who has not a month's mind to combat?). 110 Unto his neck, or north-east side, Just where the hangman does dispose, 115 To special friends, the knot of noose: For 'tis great grace, when statesmen strait His warped ear hung o'er the strings, 120 For guts, some write, ere they are sodden, Are fit for music, or for pudden: From whence men borrow ev'ry kind Of minstrelsy, by string or wind. His grisly beard was long and thick, 195 130 And yet by authors 'tis averr'd, He made use only of his beard. In Staffordshire, where virtuous worth Where bulls do choose the boldest king, 135 And ruler, o'er the men of string; (As once in Persia, 'tis said, Kings were proclaim'd by horse that neigh'd;) He bravely vent'ring at a crown, 4 By chance of war was beaten down, 140 And wounded sore: his leg then broke, Had got a deputy of oak: For when a shin in sight is cropt, The knee with one of timber's propt; And takes place, tho' the younger brother. Next march'd brave Orsin, famous for Wise conduct, and success in war; A skilful leader, stout, severe, Now marshal to the champion Bear. 145 150 |