22 Aug 1809 +

Parl y Reform

Corruption

Electors

2

Thus much as to /for/ the immediate, the actual mischief. Now as /Look we now/ to the disposition betrayed by the accepter of the bribe, that disposition let it be said, created by the bribe, the disposition having for its efficient cause the bribe itself, and for its author the giver of the bribe.

What is the opinion /in the opinion/ entertained by the bribed Elector concerning /in regard to/ the eventual use which the Candidate means as above to make of his seat? that he will act an /the/ independent part or the /an/ /a/ dependent one? In the latter case true it is that what the bribed elector has done, is that which is about to be the cause of evil, and thence itself evil, in his own eyes. But in the other case what is it that he has done? what is it that in his own eyes - in his own judgment - he has done? Not evil but good. Good is what he has been doing: good is what he conceived himself to be doing. Now here is the evil in all this? I, For my part I can find none. Had he taken the opposite course, in that course, indeed, evil might have ben , nay could not but have been, to be found.

Nay but says the rigorist /man of austere virtue/ what he ought to have done - is to have voted as he did, but not to have taken any bribe.

Doubtless had he so done, the part he took would have been more honourable /dignified/ more estimable, on the side of censure. But this seems to be as much as can be said.

If it be Glorious in this case to refuse a bribe, it does not follow that it must be flagitious to accept one.