Andrew Marvell, member for Hull, who had enjoyed much experience of men and measures, found fit subject for satire among the corrupt comrades who now surrounded him in parliament.
“C. That traitors to th’ Country in a brib’d House of Commons
Should give away millions at every summons.
W. Yet some of those givers such beggarly villains
As not to be trusted for twice twenty shillings.
C. No wonder that beggars should still be for giving,
Who, out of what’s given, do get a good living.
W. Four Knights and a knave, who were burgesses made,
For selling their consciences were liberally paid.
C. How base are the souls of such low-priced sinners,
Who vote with the country for Drink and for Dinners.
W. ’Tis they that brought on us this scandalous yoke,
Of excising our cups, and taxing our smoke.
C. But thanks to the Harlots who made the King dogg’d,
For giving no more the Rogues are prorogued.”
(Andrew Marvell, 1674: A Dialogue between Two Horses.)
From his “good discourse on parliament,” Mr. Secretary Pepys, by a happy coincidence, straightway betook himself to that palace, where he had the privilege of being well received, and in which, under the Stuarts, more curious scenes were witnessed than falls to the lot of even the average of princely abodes:—