mischief, because it was a stranger. This is an allusion probably to the case of Sir Bernard Gascoign, who was condemned at Colchester, with Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George Lisle, (see note to v. 1088,) and was respited from execution, being an Italian, and a person of some interest in his country. V. 1177-8. So justice, while she winks at crimes, Stumbles on innocence sometimes.] This is a moral reflection applied to a ludicrous subject, and follows very naturally upon the reflection on Crowdero's real leg suffering confinement for the fault of his wooden one. PART FIRST. CANTO THIRD. The Argument. The scatter'd rout return and rally Surround the place; the Knight does sally, And is made pris'ner; then they seize, I should have first said Hudibras. AY me! what perils do environ The man that meddles with cold iron? Do dog him still with after claps! She'll show after him, in the nick This any man may sing or say, VOL. I. 10 For Hudibras, who thought h' had won The field, as certain as a gun, And having routed the whole troop, With victory was cock-a-hoop, Thinking h' had done enough to purchase 15 Thanksgiving-day among the churches; And register'd by fame eternal, For now the late faint-hearted rout, Took heart again, and fac❜d about, 35 40 Like a bold chieftain fac'd about; But wisely doubting to hold out, 45 H' had got th' advantage of the ground; And then as valiantly made head To check the foe, and forthwith fled; Of warrior stout and politic; He gain'd a pass to hold dispute On better terms, and stop the course 50 55 |