LETTER V.

_ELECTIONS._

Say then which class to greater folly stoop, The great in promise, or the poor in hope?

Be brave, for your [captain] is brave, and vows reformation; there shall be in England seven halfpenny loaves sold for a penny; the three-hooped pot shall have ten hoops[; and] 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 worship me their lord.

_Shakspeare's Henry VI._ [Part I. Act IV. Sc. 2.]

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.