"Don't you see? You need not care a farthing about your debts then, for the personal liberty of a member of the House of Commons is sacred. You can fire away right and left at the currency; and who knows, if you play your cards well, but you may get a comfortable place?" "Well, you _are_ a genius, Bob! But then, what sort of principles should I profess?" "That is a matter which requires consideration. What are your own feelings on the subject?" "Perfect indifference. I am pledged to no party, and am free to exercise my independent judgment." "Of course, of course! We shall take care to stick all that into the address; but you must positively come forward with some kind of tangible political views. The currency will do for one point, but as to the others I see a difficulty." "Suppose I were to start as a Peelite? "Something may be said in favour of that view; but, on the whole, I should rather say not. That party may not look up for some little time, and then the currency is a stumbling-block in the way. No, Dunshunner, I do not think, upon my honour, that it would be wise for you to commit yourself in that quarter at the present moment." "Suppose I try the Protectionist dodge? One might come it very strong against the foreigners, and in favour of native industry. Eh, Bob? What do you say to that? It is an advantage to act with gentlemen." "True; but at the same time, I see many objections. The principles of the country party are not yet thoroughly understood by the people, and I should like to have you start with at least popularity on your side." "Radical, then? What do you think of Annual Parliaments, Universal Suffrage, Vote by Ballot, and separation of Church and State?" "I am clear against that. These views are not popular with the Electors, and even the mob would entertain a strong suspicion that you were humbugging them." "What, then, on earth am I to do?" "I will tell you. Come out as a pure and transparent Whig. In the present position of parties, it is at least a safe course to pursue, and it is always the readiest step to the possession of the loaves and the fishes." "Bob, I don't like the Whigs!" "No more do I. They are a bad lot; but they are _in_, and that is every thing. 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 any thing else."