18.  It was a frequent complaint of the tories at this period, that the
   commons, in zeal for their own privileges and immunities, were apt
   sometimes to infringe the personal liberties of the subject.  This
   is set forth with some humour in a political pamphlet of the day,
   called, “A Dialogue betwixt Sam, the ferryman of Datchet, Will, a
   waterman of London, and Tom, a bargeman of Oxford;” upon the king’s
   calling a parliament to meet at Oxford, London, 1681.  “As to their
   own members, they turned them out, and took others in at their will
   and pleasure; and if they made any fault, they expelled them; and
   wherever any stood in competition for any town, him they knew would
   give his vote along with them was admitted, right or wrong.  And then
   they terrified all the sheriffs, mayors, and bailiffs in the
   kingdom, besides abundance of gentlemen and other honest
   countrymen.  For, on the least complaint of any man’s misdemeanour,
   or information from any member, immediately a serjeant at arms was
   sent for them, and so much a mile and hour paid, and down on their
   marrowbones to their worships, and a sound scolding from Mr
   Speaker, or else to the Tower or Gatehouse they went.  The king, God
   bless him, never took a quarter of that state on him they did ... 
   It was brought to that pass, that two footboys, boxing one day in
   the Palace-yard, he that was beaten proved to belong to a member,
   and told the other boy, if he knew his master, he would cause him
   to be sent for in custody, for keeping such a rogue as he was, that
   had committed a breach of privilege in beating a member’s servant. 
   The boy replied, if it would do him any kindness, he would beat him
   again, and tell him his master’s name into the bargain; and would
   lay him a crown, that, though his master should bid the Speaker,
   and all the House of Commons, kiss, &c. they durst not send a
   serjeant at arms for him.  The beaten boy, much nettled at his
   speech, laid down his money, as the other did:  now, said the boy,
   my master is the king of France, and I am come over with some of
   his servants to fetch horses out of England; go, bid thy master and
   the House of Commons send a serjeant at arms to fetch him
   over.—­Sam. Before my heart it was a good answer; I hope he won
   his monies?—­Will. So he did; but it was put into a waterman’s
   hands, and when it was demanded, says the beaten boy, Sirrah, give
   it him, if you dare; if his master be the king of France, I’ll make
   you answer it before the House of Commons.  The waterman durst do no
   other, but gave either their own monies.  There’s no contending with
   parliament men, or parliament men’s men, nor boys.”