Hudibras · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Hudibras by Samuel Butler.

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Chapter 1
To the Reader
The preface defends the natural genius required for poetry, arguing that learned men without innate talent fail, while those with natural wit (like Shakespeare and D'Avenant) succeed. It praises the author's learning and natural gifts, noting King Charles II's admiration for the poem, and promises a short life of the author.
Chapter 2
The Author's Life
This chapter provides a biographical account of Samuel Butler, the author of the poem, detailing his birth in Strensham, education at Worcester and Cambridge, service as a clerk, and his time with notable figures such as the Countess of Kent and Sir Samuel Luke. It describes his composition of the poem during the Cromwellian era, his later roles under King Charles II, his marriage, and his friendships with patrons like the Duke of Buckingham and the Earl of Dorset. The chapter concludes with his death in 1680 and burial in Covent Garden, noting that his work serves as his lasting monument.
Chapter 3
Hudibras Part I
The poem introduces Sir Hudibras, a Presbyterian knight of questionable intellect and valor, who sallies forth with his squire Ralpho to right wrongs. They encounter a bear-baiting crowd, attack the bear, and capture the fiddler Crowdero. The crowd rallies, defeats the pair, and imprisons them. Hudibras falls in love with a wealthy widow, who visits him in prison and sets a humiliating condition for his release.
Chapter 4
Canto I
Sir Hudibras, a Presbyterian knight of formidable pedantry and hypocrisy, sallies forth on his decrepit horse to impose his version of godly order. The canto introduces his absurd learning, his grotesque appearance, and his comic mount, then plunges into the adventure of the bear-baiting crowd, which is broken off mid‑narrative.
Chapter 5
Canto II
The Knight and his Squire encounter the enemy forces, led by Crowdero and Talgol. After a fierce exchange of words, Hudibras attacks Talgol but is thwarted by a misfire. The rout is scattered, and Crowdero is captured. Ralpho advises the Knight to spare Crowdero's life and hold him as a prisoner of war, which Hudibras agrees to, binding the fiddler and taking him to an enchanted castle.

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To the Reader

The Author's Life

Hudibras Part I

Canto I

Canto II