sometimes to infringe the personal liberties of the subject. This
is set forth with some humour in a political pamphlet of the day,
called, "A Dialogue betwixt Sam, the ferryman of Datchet, Will, a
waterman of London, and Tom, a bargeman of Oxford;" upon the king's
calling a parliament to meet at Oxford, London, 1681. "As to their
own members, they turned them out, and took others in at their will
and pleasure; and if they made any fault, they expelled them; and
wherever any stood in competition for any town, him they knew would
give his vote along with them was admitted, right or wrong. And then
they terrified all the sheriffs, mayors, and bailiffs in the
kingdom, besides abundance of gentlemen and other honest
countrymen. For, on the least complaint of any man's misdemeanour,
or information from any member, immediately a serjeant at arms was
sent for them, and so much a mile and hour paid, and down on their
marrowbones to their worships, and a sound scolding from Mr
Speaker, or else to the Tower or Gatehouse they went. The king, God
bless him, never took a quarter of that state on him they did ...
It was brought to that pass, that two footboys, boxing one day in
the Palace-yard, he that was beaten proved to belong to a member,
and told the other boy, if he knew his master, he would cause him
to be sent for in custody, for keeping such a rogue as he was, that
had committed a breach of privilege in beating a member's servant.
The boy replied, if it would do him any kindness, he would beat him
again, and tell him his master's name into the bargain; and would
lay him a crown, that, though his master should bid the Speaker,
and all the House of Commons, kiss, &c. they durst not send a
serjeant at arms for him. The beaten boy, much nettled at his
speech, laid down his money, as the other did: now, said the boy,
my master is the king of France, and I am come over with some of
his servants to fetch horses out of England; go, bid thy master and
the House of Commons send a serjeant at arms to fetch him
over.--_Sam._ Before my heart it was a good answer; I hope he won
his monies?--_Will._ So he did; but it was put into a waterman's
hands, and when it was demanded, says the beaten boy, Sirrah, give
it him, if you dare; if his master be the king of France, I'll make
you answer it before the House of Commons. The waterman durst do