Page:Hudibras - Volume 1 (Butler, Nash, Bohn; 1859).djvu/290

192 As pedants out of school-boys' breeches Do claw and curry their own itches. But in this case it is profane, And sinful too, because in vain; For we must take our oaths upon it You did the deed, when I have done it. Quoth Hudibras, That's answer'd soon; Give us the whip, we'll lay it on. Quoth Ralpho, That you may swear true, 'Twere properer that I whipp'd you; For when with your consent 'tis done, The act is really your own. Quoth Hudibras, It is in vain, I see, to argue 'gainst the grain; Or, like the stars, incline men to What they're averse themselves to do: For when disputes are weary'd out, 'Tis interest still resolves the doubt: But since no reason can confute ye, I'll try to force you to your duty; For so it is, howe'er you mince it; As, ere we part, I shall evince it, And curry, if you stand out, whether You will or no, your stubborn leather. Canst thou refuse to bear thy part 1' th' public work, base as thou art? To higgle thus, for a few blows, To gain thy Knight an op'lent spouse, Whose wealth his bowels yearn to purchase, Merely for th' int'rest of the churches? And when he has it in his claws, Will not be hide-bound to the Cause;