Page 210

Samuel Butler. (1612–1680) (continued)

2348

Beside, ’t is known he could speak Greek
As naturally as pigs squeak; 1
That Latin was no more difficile
Than to a blackbird ’t is to whistle.

Hudibras. Part i. Canto i. Line 51.

2349

He could distinguish and divide
A hair ’twixt south and southwest side.

Hudibras. Part i. Canto i. Line 67.

2350

For rhetoric, he could not ope
His mouth, but out there flew a trope.

Hudibras. Part i. Canto i. Line 81.

2351

For all a rhetorician’s rules
Teach nothing but to name his tools.

Hudibras. Part i. Canto i. Line 89.

2352

A Babylonish dialect
Which learned pedants much affect.

Hudibras. Part i. Canto i. Line 93.

2353

For he by geometric scale
Could take the size of pots of ale.

Hudibras. Part i. Canto i. Line 121.

2354

And wisely tell what hour o’ the day
The clock does strike, by algebra.

Hudibras. Part i. Canto i. Line 125.

2355

Whatever sceptic could inquire for,
For every why he had a wherefore. 2

Hudibras. Part i. Canto i. Line 131.

2356

Where entity and quiddity,
The ghosts of defunct bodies, fly.

Hudibras. Part i. Canto i. Line 145.

2357

He knew what ’s what, 3 and that ’s as high
As metaphysic wit can fly.

Hudibras. Part i. Canto i. Line 149.

2358

Such as take lodgings in a head
That ’s to be let unfurnished. 4

Hudibras. Part i. Canto i. Line 161.

2359

’T was Presbyterian true blue.

Hudibras. Part i. Canto i. Line 191.

2360

And prove their doctrine orthodox,
By apostolic blows and knocks.

Hudibras. Part i. Canto i. Line 199.

Note 1.
He Greek and Latin speaks with greater ease
Than hogs eat acorns, and tame pigeons peas.
Cranfield: Panegyric on Tom Coriate. [back]

Note 2.
See Shakespeare, The Comedy of Errors, Quotation 3. [back]

Note 3.
See Skelton, Quotation 4. [back]

Note 4.
See Bacon, Quotation 53. [back]