With an
election imminent, here’s my favourite piece of campaigning repartee, from John
Wilkes, the 18th century radical and troublemaker:
Wilkes, to
voter, “May I count on your support?”
Disgruntled
gentleman, “I would rather vote for the Devil, sir!”
Wilkes,
“Yes, of course. But what if your friend isn’t running?”
....................................................................
Wilkes's most famous riposte was to Lord Sandwich (he of the snack of the same name):
Sandwich: "Wilkes, you will infallibly perish either of the pox or on the gallows!"
Wilkes: "That will depend, my lord, on whether I embrace your principles or your mistress."
