“To the Independent Electors of Westminster, this Print of their staunch old watchman, the guardian of their rights and privileges, is dedicated by a grateful Elector. N.B.--Beware of Counterfeits, as the Greenwich and Chelsea Watchmen are upon the look-out!” Fox is standing firm, with his cap of “Liberty;” and the lamp of “Truth” is shedding its light around, the Whig chief is unmoved by the storm of “ministerial thunderbolts;” a trusty dog, “Vigilance,” is by his side; the “Counterfeits” are shuffling off, Hood for Greenwich, and Wray for Chelsea. The ballads, epigrams, and poetical _jeux d’esprit_ to which the circumstances of this famous contest gave birth are sufficiently numerous to fill a volume. The rhymsters on both sides were evidently resolved to do their best: many of the lyrics and “squibs” are worthy of preservation; they are as a rule far above the average compositions evoked upon similar occasions. The tuneful songster, Captain Morris, wrote many of the most graceful and witty “impromptus” and verses. The bards of “Opposition” were severe upon the Court influence exerted against Fox’s cause, and justly exposed some of the manœuvres resorted to by Pitt’s adherents. “To the will of the Court we are told to consent, And never to do as we please, Sir; If we vote against FOX we’re forgiven our rent, Or else we must forfeit our lease, Sir. Thus of freedom and rights poor electors they chouse, Such slaves and such fools we are grown, Sir, We must vote a Rogue into the Parliament House, Or else be turned out of our own, Sir.” It was the old story of intimidation, undue influence, and coercion, as practised at the Westminster elections for the best part of a century. The scene of the hustings is thus sketched:-- “A CONCISE DESCRIPTION OF COVENT GARDEN AT THE PRESENT WESTMINSTER ELECTION. “A paradise for fools and knaves; A hell for constables and slaves; A booth for mountebanks and beavers; A shop for marrow-bones and cleavers; A stage for bulls and Irish chairmen; A pit for Foxes, for to rear ’em: In short, such are most glorious places(?) For Duchesses to show their faces!” Allusions to the machinations of “the King’s Friends” were abundant:-- “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.”