We have already observed that the drama of Spain became the model for that of modern Europe, and we are not therefore surprised to find that the main design in Sir Hudibras is to produce an English Don Quixote. All the accessories of the work point to this imitation; there is a long account of his arms, his Squire, and horse. But beyond this, he aimed at several well-known rogues of his day, especially those pretending to necromancy and prophetic powers, who seem to have been numerous.[59] This gave the poem an interest at that day which it cannot have now, and it was increased by the amusing hits he makes at the Puritans, who had lately convulsed the State, and whom he had been able to gauge when he was employed by Sir Samuel Luke.[60] The lines are well known in which he speaks of the time:-- "When pulpit, drum, ecclesiastic, Was beat with fist, instead of a stick;" and the general outcry against dignitaries is thus represented:-- "The oyster women locked their fish up And trudged away to cry 'No Bishop'; Botchers left old clothes in the lurch, And fell to turn and patch the church; Some cry'd the Covenant, instead Of pudding, pies, and gingerbread!" Sir Hudibras is a Presbyterian "true blue." "Such as do build their faith upon The holy test of pike and gun; Decide all controversies by Infallible artillery: And prove their doctrine orthodox By apostolic blows and knocks. "Rather than fail, they will defy That which they love most tenderly; Quarrel with minced pies, and disparage. Their best and dearest friend, plum porridge; Fat pig and goose itself oppose, And blaspheme custard through the nose." Sir Hudibras was learned in controversy:-- "For he a rope of sand could twist As tough as learned Sorbonist And weave fine cobwebs fit for skull That's empty when the moon is full, Such as take lodgings in a head That's to be let unfurnished." He had been at the siege of "Bullen," by Henry VIII., and his breeches were lined "With many a piece Of ammunition, bread and cheese, And fat black puddings, proper food For warriors that delight in blood. For as he said he always chose To carry victual in his hose, That often tempted rats and mice The ammunition to surprise." Hudibras speaking of men fighting with an unworthy enemy, says:-- "So th' Emperor Caligula That triumphed o'er the British sea, Took crabs and oysters prisoners, And lobsters 'stead of cuirassiers; Engaged his legions in fierce bustles With periwinkles, prawns, and mussels, And led his troops with furious gallops To charge whole regiments of scallops; Not like their ancient way of war, To wait on his triumphal car; But, when he went to dine or sup, More bravely ate his captives up." Butler begins one canto with "Ah me! what perils do environ The man that meddles with cold iron." His political views are seen in the following: