William Hogarth, 1697–1764, BritishPublished by Philip Overton, active 1707–died 1745, British
Title:
Hudibras and the Lawyer (no.7)
Date:
1726
Materials & Techniques:
Engraving on medium, slightly textured, cream laid paper
Dimensions:
Sheet: 10 5/8 × 13 7/8 inches (27 × 35.2 cm)
Inscription(s)/Marks/Lettering:
Lettered inside image, center right: "100. POUN-"; lower right: "1641"; lower left: "W. Hogart delin et sculp:"; below image, lower center: "Hudibras, | and the | Lawyer."; lower center: "To this brave Man, the Knight repairs | For Counsel in his Law-Affairs; | And found him mounted, in his Pew, | With books, & Money plac'd for Shew, | To whom the Knight, with comely Grace, | Put of' his Hat, to put his Case, | Quoth he, there is one Sydrophel, | Whom I have Cudgel'd -- Very well. | And now he brags to have beaten me. | Better and better still, quoth he. | And vows to Stick me to the Wall | Where e'er he meets me -- Best of all. | Now whether I should, before-hand | Swear he robb'd me; -- I understand. | Then there's a Lady, too. -- I marry, | That's easily prov'd accessary. | A Widow, who by Solemn Vows, | Contracted to me, for my Spouse, | Combined with him to break her word, | And has abetted all -- Good Lord! | Sir, quoth the Lawyer, not to flatter ye, | You have as Good, and fair a Battery, | As heart can wish, and need not shame, | The proudest Man alive to claim."
Credit Line:
Yale Center for British Art, Gift of Janet and James Sale, Yale BA 1960