The Virginia Gazette

PICTURE OF ENGLAND, 1780.

The Nobility.

A degenerate race, in whom dissipation and luxury have extinguished every spark of the amor patriae; in every respect the contrast of their bold and virtuous ancestors.

The Commons. An assembly, whose last concern is the nation's weal, and who may be properly classed under the two following heads: One, placemen, contractors, and stock-jobbers, a crew of hungry expectants, and a few country Gentlemen, who think it an honour to receive a tinsel compliment, a shake of the hand from the Minister, or an occasional smile from the King:--The other, disappointed expectants, whose opposition is only efforts to remove the Minister, and whose patriotism is little better than puerile inspections into the conduct of rum-contractors, the shirts of invalids, the qualifications of a commissioner of accounts, &c. or impotent abuse of Ministers they have not power to get dismissed, nor courage to impeach.

The People. A shadow of ancient Britons, despising every other nation, but laughed at by all, for their ridiculous pride in boasting of a free government and constitution, while, like slaves, they suffer themselves to be bowed to the ground by oppressive taxes, and feel every species of the most despotic sway exercised upon them, under the sanction of game, revenue, and excise laws.

The Women. A giddy, senseless crew, who have sacrificed every duty of their sex on the altar of fashions and in whom a masculine voluptuousness has taken place of every tender blandishment, and feminine sensibility.

The Army. Greater than when England was at its zenith of glory, in 1759; because,

The Navy. Neglected, and the British fleets beat or baffled by the superior conduct, and wise councils of the enemy.

The King. A mighty Monarch, because he reigns over the free nation of slaves!