“STANZAS IN SEASON.
“It would not do! Black Thurlow’s frown
And Billy’s prudence gain’d the prize;
’Tis Beauty must redeem the crown,
And Fox must reign thro’ Devon’s eyes.
She saw, she conquer’d; Wray shrunk back;
Court mandates we no more obey;
Majorities no more they pack,
And Fox and Freedom win the day!
Who can deny when beauty sues?
And where’s the tongue can blame her Grace;
Not timid slavery can refuse:
Her life’s as spotless as her face.”
The countenance shown to Fox by the youthful rank, fashion, and wealth of the day excited the bitterness of Tory rhymsters. The active partisanship of the Prince of Wales was a source of caustic recrimination and envy:—
“Since Britain’s great Prince condescends to evince
His concern in your future election,
How happy each Cobbler, Butcher, Smith, and Pot-wobbler,
Who shall merit the Royal protection!
“For goodness consider the rank of the bidder,
Who offers so much for your plumpers:
What’s the Nation or Pitt, to the Prince and Tom Tit!
Dash such stuff—and to Fox fill your bumpers.”
Arrayed on the Whig chief’s side was all the beauty and grace of fair and fascinating wives and daughters of the Whig aristocracy, a bevy of lovely political Circes, whose enchantments were all potent:—