Classic Poem

" YET there's one scruple with which I am much
Perplexed and troubled, which I know you can
Resolve me of. " J ESUIT :
" What is't? " Vitelli :
" This, Sir, my bride,
Whom I first courted and then won, not with
Loose lays, poor flatteries, apish compliments,
But sacred and religious zeal, yet wants
The holy badge that should proclaim her fit
For these celestial nuptials: willing she is,
I know, to wear it as the choicest jewel,
On her fair forehead; but to you that well
Could do that work of grace, I know the Viceroy
Will never grant access. Now in a case
Of this necessity, I would gladly learn,
Whether in me, a layman without orders,
It may not be religious and lawful,
As we go to our deaths, to do that office? " J ESUIT :

" A Question in itself with much ease answered;
Midwives upon necessity perform it;
And knights that in the Holy Land fought for
The freedom of Jerusalem, when full
Of sweat and enemies' blood, have made their helmets
The fount, out of which with their holy hands
They drew that heavenly liquor; 'twas approved then
By the Holy Church, nor must I think it now,
In you, a work less pious. "