 candidate makes to every elector; even
to those who, he knows, are engaged in the interest of his competitor, lest he
should expose himself to the imputation of pride, at a time when it is expected
he should appear humble. 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 Fitz-owen; 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 are
all 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. H-- saw imperfectly through the mist of prejudice, and
I am rankled by the spleen - Perhaps, you are partly in the right; for I have
perceived that my opinion of mankind, like mercury in the thermometer, rises and
falls according to the variations of the weather.
    Pray settle accompts with Barnes; take what money of
