Indeed, I know nothing so abject as the behaviour
of a man canvassing for a seat in parliament -- This mean
prostration (to borough-electors, especially) has, I imagine,
contributed in a great measure to raise that spirit of insolence
among the vulgar; which, like the devil, will be found very
difficult to lay. Be that as it may, I was in some confusion at
the effrontery of Fitzowen; but I soon recollected myself, and
told him, I had not yet determined for whom I should give my
vote, nor whether I should give it for any. -- The truth is, I look
upon both candidates in the same light; and should think myself a
traitor to the constitution of my country, if I voted for either.
If every elector would bring the same consideration home to his
conscience, we should not have such reason to exclaim against the
venality of p--ts. But we all are a pack of venal and corrupted
rascals; so lost to all sense of honesty, and all tenderness of
character, that, in a little time, I am fully persuaded, nothing
will be infamous but virtue and public-spirit.
G. H--, who is really an enthusiast in patriotism, and
represented the capital in several successive parliaments,
declared to me t'other day, with the tears in his eyes, that he
had lived above thirty years in the city of London, and dealt in
the way of commerce with all the citizens of note in their turns;
but that, as he should answer to God, he had never, in the whole
course of his life, found above three or four whom he could call
thoroughly honest: a declaration which was rather mortifying than
surprising to me; who have found so few men of worth in the
course of my acquaintance, that they serve only as exceptions;
which, in the grammarian's phrase, confirm and prove a general
canon -- I know you will say, G.
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