Page:Hudibras - Volume 1 (Butler, Nash, Bohn; 1859).djvu/251

CANTO I.] A grace which, if I could believe, I've not the conscience to receive. That conscience, quoth Hudibras, Is misinform'd; I'll state the case. A man may be a legal donor Of anything whereof he's owner, And may confer it where he lists, I' th' judgment of all casuists: Then wit, and parts, and valour may Be ali'nated, and made away, By those that are proprietors, As I may give or sell my horse. Quoth she, I grant the case is true, And proper twixt your horse and you; And whether L may take, as well As yon may give away, or sell? Buyers, you know, are bid beware; And worse than thieves receivers are, How shall I answer Hue and Cry For a roan gelding, twelve hands high. All spurr'd and switch'd, a lock on's hoof, A sorrel mane? Can I bring proof Where, when, by whom, and what y' were sold for, And in the open market toll'd for? Or, should I take you for a stray, You must be kept a year and day,