_The Orator._ I may have made some such observation--but far be it from me to speak evil of any man. If I spoke evil, it was on public grounds. I should scorn to attack any individual in his private character. I think I have satisfactorily answered _that_ matter. And I tell you this--it is largely owing to me that Mr. WILLIAM WOBLER owes his seat in Parliament to-day! (_His hearers receive this with frank incredulity._) Ah, but it _is_, though, and I denounce him, as I have denounced him before, and _shall_ denounce him while I have power to raise my voice, as a man who has proved himself utterly unworthy of the efforts I have made on his behalf. Some people are saying they want THOMAS TIDDLER in North Paddington. I say--_Never!_ Not as long as I've breath in my body shall THOMAS TIDDLER be returned for any constituency! No, gentlemen: here I stand before you, with no money, and only one lung. I have rich and high relations, to whom I might apply for relief if I condescended to do so; but I scorn to abase myself in any such manner. I prefer to appeal to you, the people of London. It's a disgrace--a public disgrace--that you people should allow such a man as myself to walk the streets without food! (_A voice._ "Why don't yer _work_?") Work? Am I _not_ working? Am I not in my proper place here to-night? _The Crowd_ (_with hearty unanimity_). No! _The Orator_ (_with exultation_). Then support me in the name of all you hold dear! I have my work to accomplish, and I _shall_ accomplish it by the aid of the People's pence, by the aid of the People's sixpences,--aye, and by the aid of the People's _shillings_! _Will_ you help me? _The Crowd_ (_more heartily than ever_). No! _The Orator._ Then I will now proceed to make a collection. [_He descends from his stool, and circulates among the crowd proffering a highly respectable hat. A_ Rival Orator _mounts the stool; he has a straw hat, side whiskers, and a style of concentrated and withering invective_.