It is shown that in the early days of the representative system the high obligation of sending members to parliament was regarded as a burden instead of a privilege by many boroughs, and that exemption from this duty was a boon for which sacrifices were cheerfully made; moreover it was a “right” which constituencies managed to leave in abeyance, intermitting in many instances for a century or more. By the same rule, electoral bodies were relieved to get rid of their responsibilities, before the days of sordid trafficking, and while venal boroughmongering was still an undeveloped branch of gain: it was at first accepted by the cities and boroughs as a kindly service on the part of a great man to choose the citizens and burgesses for parliament; “influence” was not considered “undue” when it was exercised in dictating the choice of what by a traditional figment were considered the popular representatives. Thus, in Elizabeth’s reign, quite as a matter of course, Devereux, Earl of Essex, was busying himself in providing such nominees as he thought fitting for various places, as appears from the following letter, addressed to Richard Bagot, of Staffordshire, and printed with the “Memorials of the Bagot family,” 1592:-- “After my very hartie commendacions. I have written several letters to Lichfield, Stafford, Tamworth, and Newcastle for the _Nomination_ and _Election_ of certain Burgesses for the Parliament to be held very shortlie; having named unto them, for Lichfield, Sir John Wingfield and Mr. Broughton. For Stafford, my kinsman Henry Bourgcher, and my _servant_ Edward Reynolds. For Tamworth, my _servant_ Thomas Smith. For Newcastle, Dr. James. Whom because I do greatlie desire to be preferred to the said places, I do earnestlie pray your furtherance by the credit which you have in those towns.” The mere dealing in “parliamentary interest” was still undeveloped as regarded its monetary aspect, but party strengthened its ranks by nominating candidates, first, because it was the “will and pleasure” of those who held the influence; secondly, when the possessor of several boroughs began to realize he could utilize his seats in many ways, electioneering science took a new departure, and boroughs and “burgage tenures” began to be cultivated for the market like any other trafficable commodity. “Formerly,” says Waller, “the neighbourhood desired the member to sit, and there was an end; but now it is a kind of empire. Some hundred years ago, some boroughs sent not; they could get none to serve; but now it is a fashion, and a fine thing they are revived.”