Charles II.’s third, or _Habeas Corpus_ Parliament, showed a determination to exceed its predecessor in opposing the Court, and seemed ambitious of imitating that of 1640, the reminiscences of which were still of a portentous character, and filled with dread as regarded the survivors of those uncompromising times:-- “The _Habeas Corpus_ act is past, And so far we are safe; He can’t imprison us so fast, But straight we have relief; He can’t deny us aught we ask, In so much need he stands; And before that we do money give, We’ll tie up both his hands.” Charles very naturally found this parliament beyond his control, so it was prorogued May 27, 1679, to the 14th of August, but dissolved on the 10th of July. The whole country was in commotion during August and September in electioneering contests, preparing for the fourth parliament. It is to be regretted that electioneering broadsides have, as a rule, been allowed to perish; they would prove a mine of curious information. The following is a pertinent allusion to the eventualities of the “poll:”-- “But most men did think He had not so much chink, Nor could pay for the poll of the County, And therefore did fear It would cost them too dear Should they accept of his Bounty.” (_The Worcestershire Ballad._) The opprobrious terms of Whigs and Tories were freely exchanged. Here is a Whig’s view of the “king’s men:”-- “As Rascals changing rags for scarlet coats, Cudgell’d before, set up to cut Whig throats.” The wit lay rather with the Cavaliers, though it must be confessed their opponents had the best of the argument when reasoning on facts. The definition of the nickname _Tory_, as it originally arose, is given in “A New Ballad” (Narcissus Luttrell’s Collection):-- “The word _Tory’s_ of Irish Extraction, ’Tis a Legacy that they have left here, They came here in their brogues, And have acted like Rogues, In endeavouring to learn us to Swear.” By way of answer, the Tories exulted in their loyalty:-- “Let Tories guard the King, Let Whigs on halters swing.” The Court party denounced-- “Visions, Seditions, And railing Petitions.” The designs of the various factions were thus summed up:-- “Sir Tom would hang the _Tory_, And let the _Whig_ go free: Sir Bob would have a Commonwealth And cry down Monarchy.” The Tories retaliated upon their antagonists with interest, though they feared the zealots not a little, as the following ballad illustrates:-- “What! Still _ye Whigs_ uneasie! Will nothing cool your brain, Unless Great _Charles_, to please ye, Will let _ye_ drive his Wain? That _Peer-less_ House of Commons, So zealous for the Lord, Meant (piously) with some on’s To flesh the Godly sword.” (_A Tory in a Whig’s Coat._)