But the Chancellors of the Tudors took plate and jewels from suitors without scruple or shame; and Hardwicke would have committed for contempt any suitor who had dared to bring him a present.

The Treasurers of the Tudors raised princely fortunes by the sale of places, titles, and pardons; and Pelham would have ordered his servants to turn out of his house any man who had offered him money for a peerage or a commissionership of customs.

It is evident, therefore, that the prevalence of corruption in the Parliament cannot be ascribed to a general depravation of morals.

The taint was local; we must look for some local cause; and such a cause will without difficulty be found.
Under our ancient sovereigns the House of Commons rarely interfered with the executive administration.

The Speaker was charged not to let the members meddle with matters of State.