Hudibras · Chapter
Canto II explained
In this canto, the speaker delivers a lengthy satirical indictment of the Presbyterians and Puritan reformers, accusing them of hypocrisy, political opportunism, and self-serving zeal.
What happens
In this canto, the speaker delivers a lengthy satirical indictment of the Presbyterians and Puritan reformers, accusing them of hypocrisy, political opportunism, and self-serving zeal. He argues that their actions—from obstructing negotiations to betraying allies—actually facilitated the restoration of the monarchy, despite their claims to the contrary. The narrative also introduces a wily politician and a contentious haberdasher, both emblematic of the era's corrupt and self-interested maneuvering.
Themes in this chapter
Religious Hypocrisy
The speaker accuses the Presbyterians of using piety as a mask for political ambition, greed, and treachery, exemplified by their 'sanctify'd impertinence' and manipulation of scripture.
Political Corruption
The canto satirizes the self-serving machinations of politicians and reformers who shift allegiances for personal gain, as seen in the portrait of the 'politician' with 'more heads than a beast in vision.'
Satire of Ideology
The entire canto mocks the ideological pretensions of the Puritans, reducing their 'cause' to a cover for plunder, and their theological debates to absurd sophistry.
Characters to notice
- Oliver Cromwell
Referenced as 'Oliver' who 'had gotten ground' and 'brought his Providence about' to outmaneuver the Presbyterians.
- Muhammad
Mentioned as 'Mahomet (your chief)' who mixed Christian doctrine into the Alcoran, used to satirize Puritan blending of religion and politics.
- Lord Napier
Referenced as 'Napier's bones' in a simile about sinners feeling changes in the wind.
- King Charles II
Implied as the king whose restoration is debated; referred to as 'the king' and 'him' in the context of bringing in or keeping out.
Key passages
“For had you pow'r to undermine, Or wit to carry a design, Or correspondence to trepan, Inveigle, or betray one man, There's nothing else that intervenes, And bars your zeal to use the means;”
If you had any real ability to plot, scheme, or betray, nothing would stop your fanatical determination to use those methods.
The speaker sarcastically denies the Presbyterians any competence in conspiracy, implying their zeal is matched only by their ineptitude.
“For 'twas your zealous want of sense, And sanctify'd impertinence, Your carrying business in a huddle, That forc'd our rulers to new-model;”
It was your foolish enthusiasm and meddlesome piety, along with your chaotic handling of affairs, that compelled the government to restructure itself.
Blames the Presbyterians' incompetence for the political upheavals that led to the New Model Army and the eventual Restoration.
“So right his judgment was cut fit, And made a tally to his wit, And both together most profound At deeds of darkness under-ground; As th' earth is easiest undermin'd By vermin impotent and blind.”
His judgment matched his cunning perfectly, both being skilled at secret, underhanded schemes—just as the ground is most easily dug up by weak, blind pests.
A biting simile comparing the politician's subterfuge to the work of vermin, emphasizing his low and destructive nature.