Nor for a scuffle with the idols hanker

Like crazy Quixote at the puppet's play,

If their "offence be rank," should mine be rancor?

Mild light, and by degrees, should be the plan

To cure the dark and erring mind;

But who would rush at a benighted man,

And give him two black eyes for being blind?

Suppose the tender but luxuriant hop

Around a canker'd stem should twine,

What Kentish boor would tear away the prop