The Election Was Held In Covent Garden, A Large Market-Place In The
Open Air.
There was a scaffold erected just before the door of a
very handsome church, which is also called St. Paul's, but which,
however, is not to be compared to the cathedral.
A temporary edifice, formed only of boards and wood nailed together,
was erected on the occasion. It was called the hustings, and filled
with benches; and at one end of it, where the benches ended, mats
were laid, on which those who spoke to the people stood. In the
area before the hustings immense multitudes of people were
assembled, of whom the greatest part seemed to be of the lowest
order. To this tumultuous crowd, however, the speakers often bowed
very low, and always addressed them by the title of "gentlemen."
Sir Cecil Wray was obliged to step forward and promise these same
gentlemen, with hand and heart, that he would faithfully fulfil his
duties as their representative. He also made an apology because, on
account of his long journey and ill-health, he had not been able to
wait on them, as became him, at their respective houses. The moment
that he began to speak, even this rude rabble became all as quiet as
the raging sea after a storm, only every now and then rending the
air with the parliamentary cry of "Hear him! hear him!" and as soon
as he had done speaking, they again vociferated aloud an universal
"huzza," every one at the same time waving his hat.
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