A notable simile, and one in every way worthy of that most witty of mankind, Samuel Butler.

This,' he continued, tapping a protuberance which I had remarked over his chest, 'is not a natural deformity, but is a copy of that inestimable "Hudibras," which combines the light touch of Horace with the broader mirth of Catullus.

Heh! what think you of the criticism ?' 'Give up that knife,' said I sternly.
'Certainly,' he replied, handing it over to me with a polite bow.

'Is there any other reasonable matter in which I can oblige ye?
I will give up anything to do ye pleasure-save only my good name and soldierly repute, or this same copy of "Hudibras," which, together with a Latin treatise upon the usages of war, written by a Fleming and printed in Liege in the Lowlands, I do ever bear in my bosom.' I sat down beside him with the knife in my hand.

'You pull both oars,' I said to Reuben; 'I'll keep guard over the fellow and see that he plays us no trick.