I’ll hug this hope of future joys,

And heed nor rain, nor mire, nor noise.”—

These words he had no sooner said

Than thrice he shook his sapient head,

And thrice determined to pursue

The pious end he had in view.

Next to his giantship, the D—ct—r,

With humbler step, came hobbling Pr—ct—r,

He hobbled,[11] but his will was good;

Could he go better than he could?