Hudibras, in Three Parts, Written in the Time of the Late WarsButler, Samuel
General
Hudibras, in Three Parts, Written in the Time of the Late Wars
Butler, Samuel
English poetry -- Early modern, 1500-1700
395 h Of GUNDIBERT &c.] Gundibert is a feigned name,
made use of by Sir William d' Avenant in his famous epic poem,
so called; wherein you may find also that of his mistress. This
poem was designed by the author to be an imitation of the
English Drama: it being divided into five books, as the other is
into five acts; the Cantos to be parallel of the scenes, with this
difference, that this is delivered narratively, the other
dialoguewise. It was ushered into the world by a large preface,
written by Mr. Hobbes, and by the pens of two of our best
poets, viz. Mr. Waller and Mr. Cowley, which one would have
thought might have proved a sufficient defence and protection
against snarling critics. Notwithstanding which, four eminent
wits of that age (two of which were Sir John Denham and Mr.
Donne) published several copies of verses to Sir William's
discredit, under this title, Certain Verses written by several of
the Author's Friends, to be reprinted with the second Edition of
Gundibert in 8vo. Lond. 1653. These verses were as wittily
answered by the author, under this title, The incomparable
Poem of Gundibert vindicated from the Wit Combat of four
Esquires, Clinias, Damoetas, Sancho, and Jack-Pudding;
printed in 8vo. Lond. 1665, Vide Langbain's Account of
Dramatic Poets.
496 i What OEstrum, &c.] OEstrum is not only a Greek word
for madness, but signifies also a gad-bee or horse-fly, that
torments cattle in the summer, and makes them run about as if
they were mad.
525 k Wore in their Hats, &c.] Some few days after the King
had accus'd the five Members of Treason in the House of
Commons, great Crowds of the rabble came down to
Westminster-Hall, with printed copies of the Protestation tied in
their hats like favours.
526 l When 'twas resolv'd by either House
Six Members Quarrel to espouse.
The six Members were the Lord Kimbolton, Mr. Pym, Mr.
Hollis, Mr. Hampden, Sir Arthur Haslerig, and Mr. Stroud,
whom the King ordered to be apprehended, and their papers
seized; charging them of plotting with the Scots, and favouring
the late tumults; but the House voted against the arrest of their
persons or papers; whereupon the King having preferred articles
against those Members, he went with his guard to the House to
demand them; but they, having notice, withdrew.
578 m Make that, &c.] Abusive or insulting had been better; but
our Knight believed the learned language more convenient to
understand in than his own Mother-tongue.
650 n And is indeed the self same Case
With theirs that swore t' Et caeteras.
The Convocation, in one of the short Parliaments, that ushered
in the long one, (as dwarfs are wont to do knights-errant,) made
an oath to be taken by the clergy for observing canonical
obedience; in which they enjoined their brethren, out of the
abundance of their consciences, to swear to articles with, &c.
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