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Poem
August 4, 1768
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
A satirical ballad mocking the general election process, where candidates flatter, bribe, and drink with voters to secure votes, highlighting insincere zeal and social leveling during elections.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
BALLAD on the GENERAL ELECTION.
HAIL glorious time
Fit subject for rhyme,
That every distinction can level,
When the Gentleman greets
Each blackguard he meets,
And pride must descend to be civil.
The elegant Peer
Must guzzle strong beer
With freemen to gain their protection
And all who aspire,
To be Knights of the Shire
Get drunk to secure their election.
How fervent the zeal
That candidates feel!
The friendship they vow how sincere!
But 'tis easy to guess,
When such zeal they profess,
That the time of election draws near.
By flattering and feasting,
At every meeting,
With the voters they try to prevail;
No words can describe
How they promise and bribe,
Such eloquence never can fail.
HAIL glorious time
Fit subject for rhyme,
That every distinction can level,
When the Gentleman greets
Each blackguard he meets,
And pride must descend to be civil.
The elegant Peer
Must guzzle strong beer
With freemen to gain their protection
And all who aspire,
To be Knights of the Shire
Get drunk to secure their election.
How fervent the zeal
That candidates feel!
The friendship they vow how sincere!
But 'tis easy to guess,
When such zeal they profess,
That the time of election draws near.
By flattering and feasting,
At every meeting,
With the voters they try to prevail;
No words can describe
How they promise and bribe,
Such eloquence never can fail.
What sub-type of article is it?
Ballad
Satire
What themes does it cover?
Political
Satire Society
What keywords are associated?
General Election
Candidates
Bribery
Flattery
Satirical Ballad
Voters
Knights Of The Shire
Poem Details
Title
Ballad On The General Election.
Subject
General Election
Key Lines
Hail Glorious Time
Fit Subject For Rhyme,
That Every Distinction Can Level,
The Elegant Peer
Must Guzzle Strong Beer
With Freemen To Gain Their Protection
How Fervent The Zeal
That Candidates Feel!
The Friendship They Vow How Sincere!
By Flattering And Feasting,
At Every Meeting,
With The Voters They Try To Prevail;