Page:Hudibras - Volume 1 (Butler, Nash, Bohn; 1859).djvu/257

CANTO I.] For what are they renown'd and famous else, But aiding of distressed damosels? But for a lady, no ways errant. To free a knight, we have no warrant In any authentical romance, Or classic author yet of France; And I'd be loth to have you break An ancient custom for a freak, Or innovation introduce In place of things of antique use. To free your heels by any course, That might b' unwholesome to your spurs: Which if I should consent unto, It is not in my pow'r to do; For 'tis a service must be done ye With solemn previous ceremony; Which always has been us'd t' untie The charms of those who here do lie. For as the ancients heretofore To Honour's temple had no door. But that which thorough Virtue's lay: So from this dungeon there's no way To honour's freedom, but by passing That other virtuous school of lashing. Where knights are kept in narrow lists, With wooden lockets 'bout their wrists; In which they for awhile are tenants, And for their ladies suffer penance: Whipping, that's virtue's governess, Tut'ress of arts and sciences; That mends the gross mistakes of nature, And puts new life into dull matter;