The first [second] book of the works of Mr. Francis Rabelais, Doctor in Physick, containing five books of the lives, heroick deeds, and sayings of Gargantua, and his sonne Pantagruel. Together with the Pantagrueline prognostication, the oracle of the divine Bachus, and response of the bottle. Hereunto are annexed the navigations unto the sounding isle, and the isle of the Apedests: as likewise the philosophical cream with a Limosm epistle. / All done by Mr. Francis Rabelais, in the French tongue, and now faithfully translated into English.

CHAP. XXXIV. How Gargantua left the City of Paris, to suc∣cour his countrey, and how Gymnast en∣countered with the enemy.

IN this same very houre Gargantua, who was gone out of Paris, assoon as he had read his fathers letters, coming upon his great mare had already past the Nunnerie-bridge himself, Ponocrates, Gymnast and Eu∣demon, who all three, the better to inable them to go along with him took Post-hor∣ses: the rest of his traine came after him by even journeys at a slower pace, bringing with them all his books and Philosophical in∣struments; assoon as he had alighted at Pa∣rille, he was informed by a farmer of Gouget, how Picrochole had fortified himself within the rock Clermond, and had sent Captain Tripet with a great army to set upon the wood of Vede and Vaugaudry, and that they had already plundered the whole countrey, not leaving cock nor hen, even as farre as to the wine-presse of Billiard. These strange and almost incredible newes of the enormous abuses, thus committed over all the land, so affrighted Gargantua, that he knew not what

to say nor do: but Ponocrates counselled him to go unto the Lord of Vauguyon, who at all times had been their friend and confede∣rate, and that by him they should be better advised in their businesse: which they did in∣continently, and found him very willing, and fully resolved to assist them, and there∣fore was of opinion, that they should send some one of his company, to scout along and discover the countrey, to learn in what condition and posture the enemy was, that they might take counsel, and proceed accord∣ing to the present occasion. Gymnast offer∣ed himself to go; whereupon it was conclu∣ded, that for his safety, and the better expe∣dition, he should have with him some one that knew the wayes, avenues, turnings, windings and rivers thereabout. Then away went he and Prelingot, (the Querry or Gentleman of Vauguyons horse,) who scout∣ed and espied as narrowly as they could up∣on all quarters without any feare. In the mean time Gargantua took a little refresh∣ment, ate somewhat himself, the like did those who were with him, and caused to give to his mare a Picotine of Oats, that is, three∣score and fourteen quarters and three bush∣els. Gymnast and his Camerade rode so long, that at last they met with the enemies forces, all scattered and out of order, plundering, stealing, robbing and pillaging all they could

lay their hands on: and as far off as they could perceive him, they ran thronging upon the back of one another in all haste towards him, to unload him of his money, and untrusse his Portmantles. Then cried he out unto them, (My Masters,) I am a poor devil, I desire you to spare me, I have yet one Crown left, come, we must drink it; for it is aurum po∣tabile, and this horse here shall be sold to pay my welcome: afterwards take me for one of your own; for never yet was there any man that knew better how to take, lard, rost and dresse, yea by G—to teare asunder and devoure a hen, then I that am here: and for my Proficiat I drink to all good fellowes. With that he unscrued his Borracho, (which was a great dutch leathern bottle,) and with∣out putting in his nose drank very honestly: the marousle Rogues looked upon him, open∣ing their throats a foot wide, and putting out their tongues like Greyhounds, in hopes to drink after him: but Captain Tripet, in the very nick of that their expectation, came running to him to see who it was. To him Gymnast offered his bottle, saying, Hold, Captain, drink boldly and spare not; I have been thy taster, it is wine of La fay monjau. What? (said Tripet) this fellow gybes and flowts us; Who art thou? (said Tripet) I am (said Gymnast) a poor devil, (pauvre diable:) Ha, (said Tripet) seeing thou art a poor de∣vil,

it is reason that thou shouldest be per∣mitted to go whithersoever thou wilt, for all poor devils passe every where without toll or taxe; but it is not the custome of poor devils to be so wel mounted, therfore, Sir de∣vil, come down, and let me have your horse, and if he do not carry me well, you, Master devil, must do it; for I love a life that such a devil as you should carry me away.