And I, said Epistemon, know all the plots and strategems
of the valiant captains and warlike champions of former
ages, together with all the tricks and subtleties
of the art of war. I will go, and, though I be
detected and revealed, I will escape by making them
believe of you whatever I please, for I am of the
race of Sinon.
I, said Eusthenes, will enter and set upon them in
their trenches, in spite of their sentries and all
their guards; for I will tread upon their bellies
and break their legs and arms, yea, though they were
every whit as strong as the devil himself, for I am
of the race of Hercules.
And I, said Carpalin, will get in there if the birds
can enter, for I am so nimble of body, and light withal,
that I shall have leaped over their trenches, and
ran clean through all their camp, before that they
perceive me; neither do I fear shot, nor arrow, nor
horse, how swift soever, were he the Pegasus of Perseus
or Pacolet, being assured that I shall be able to
make a safe and sound escape before them all without
any hurt. I will undertake to walk upon the
ears of corn or grass in the meadows, without making
either of them do so much as bow under me, for I am
of the race of Camilla the Amazon.
How Panurge, Carpalin, Eusthenes, and Epistemon, the
gentlemen attendants of Pantagruel, vanquished and
discomfited six hundred and threescore horsemen very
cunningly.
As he was speaking this, they perceived six hundred
and threescore light horsemen, gallantly mounted,
who made an outroad thither to see what ship it was
that was newly arrived in the harbour, and came in
a full gallop to take them if they had been able.
Then said Pantagruel, My lads, retire yourselves
unto the ship; here are some of our enemies coming
apace, but I will kill them here before you like beasts,
although they were ten times so many; in the meantime,
withdraw yourselves, and take your sport at it.
Then answered Panurge, No, sir; there is no reason
that you should do so, but, on the contrary, retire
you unto the ship, both you and the rest, for I alone
will here discomfit them; but we must not linger; come,
set forward. Whereunto the others said, It is
well advised, sir; withdraw yourself, and we will
help Panurge here, so shall you know what we are able
to do. Then said Pantagruel, Well, I am content;
but, if that you be too weak, I will not fail to come
to your assistance. With this Panurge took two
great cables of the ship and tied them to the kemstock
or capstan which was on the deck towards the hatches,
and fastened them in the ground, making a long circuit,
the one further off, the other within that. Then
said he to Epistemon, Go aboard the ship, and, when
I give you a call, turn about the capstan upon the
orlop diligently, drawing unto you the two cable-ropes;
and said to Eusthenes and to Carpalin, My bullies,
stay you here, and offer yourselves freely to your
