Page:Hudibras - Volume 1 (Butler, Nash, Bohn; 1859).djvu/258

166 That lays foundation for renown, And all the honours of the gown. This suffer'd, they are set at large, And freed with hon'rable discharge; Then, in their robes, the penitentials Are straight presented with credentials, And in their way attended on By magistrates of every town; And, all respect and charges paid, They're to their ancient seats convey'd. Now if you'll venture for my sake, To try the toughness of your back, And suffer, as the rest have done, The laying of a whipping on, And may you prosper in your suit, As you with equal vigour do't, I here engage myself to loose ye And free your heels from caperdewsie: But since our sex's modesty Will not allow I should be by. Bring me, on oath, a fair account, And honour too, when you have done't: And I'll admit you to the place You claim as due in my good grace. If matrimony and hanging go By dest'ny, why not whipping too? What med'cine else can cure the fits Of lovers, when they lose their wits? Love is a boy by poets styl'd. Then spare the rod, and spoil the child: