THE BOROUGH. LETTER V. ELECTIONS. Say then which class to greater folly stoop, Be brave, for your leader is brave, and vows reformation; there shall be in England seven halfpenny loaves sold for a penny; and the three-hooped pot shall have ten hoops. I will make it felony to drink small beer; all shall eat and drink on my score, and I will apparel them all in one livery, that they may agree like brothers; and they shall all worship me as their lord.-SHAKSPEARE's Henry VI. The Evils of the Contest, and how in part to be avoided – The Miseries endured by a Friend of the Candidate — The various Liberties taken with him, who has no personal Interest in the Success - The unreasonable Expectations of Voters The Censures of the opposing Party - The Vices as well as Follies shown in such Time of Contest Plans and Cunning of Electors - Evils which remain after the Decision, opposed in vain by the Efforts of the Friendly, and of the Successful; among whom is the Mayor- Story of his Advancement till he was raised to the Government of the Borough These Evils not to be placed in Balance with the Liberty of the People, but are yet Subjects of just Complaint. 101 THE BOROUGH. LETTER V. THE ELECTION. YES, our Election's past, and we've been free, True! you might then your party's sign produce, Friends of all kinds; the civil and the rude, Who humbly wish, or boldly dare t'intrude; These beg or take a liberty to come (Friends should be free), and make your house their home; They know that warmly you their cause espouse, So humbly begs (and states at large the case), Stifling his shame by drink, a wretch will come, To show what man can bear to serve a friend. Yet worse, the proser who, upon the strength Then comes there one, and tells in friendly way Has any female cousin made a trip To Gretna Green, or more vexatious slip? Vain of their power, and of their value sure, Nor spare one pang-for they perceive your heart Goes with the cause; you'd die before you'd start; Do what they may, they're sure you'll not offend Men who have pledged their honours to your friend. Those friends indeed, who start as in a race, May love the sport, and laugh at this disgrace; |