“No more do I. They are a bad lot; but they are in, and that is everything. Yes, Augustus,” continued Bob solemnly, “there is nothing else for it. You must start as a pure Whig, upon the Revolution principles of sixteen hundred and eighty-eight.”
“It would be a great relief to my mind, Bob, if you would tell me what those principles really are?”
“I have not the remotest idea; but we have plenty time to look them up.”
“Then, I suppose I must swallow the Dutchman and the Massacre of Glencoe?”
“Yes, and the Darien business into the bargain. These are the principles of your party, and of course you are bound to subscribe.”
“Well! you know best; but I’d rather do anything else.”
“Pooh! never fear; you and Whiggery will agree remarkably well. That matter, then, we may consider as settled. The next point to be thought of is the constituency.”
“Ay, to be sure! what place am I to start for? I have got no interest, and if I had any, there are no nomination burghs in Scotland.”
“Aren’t there? That’s all you know, my fine fellow! Hark ye, Dunshunner, more than half of the Scottish burghs are at this moment held by nominees!”
“You amaze me, Bob! The thing is impossible! The Reform Bill, that great charter of our liberties——”