Author: Anon [B. Times]

Publication: Glasgow Chronicle

Published: 14 November 1831

Place of publication: Glasgow, Scotland

Publication type: Newspaper/Periodical

Featured individuals:
King William IV (1765-1837)
John Wilson Croker (1780-1857)
George Murray, Baron Dunmore (1762-1836)
Robert Peel (1788-1850)
John Scott, Earl of Eldon (1751-1838)
Charles William Vane, Marquess of Londonderry (1778-1854)
Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington (1769-1852)

No full copy of this poem is available.

Archive/Library: Mitchell Library, Glasgow
Classmark(s): Hard copy: BX 42a
Pages(s): 1

The poem is written in Scots and its subject is the 'besom' who stands up to those Lords opposed to the franchise, several of whom are referenced.  It is not entirely clear who or what the 'besom' is: we are told that it 'soops' (sweeps) but it may also refer to 'liberty', often personified as female too. King William is praised: he is a 'patriot still' and the 'besom' is his ally.  The poem later appeared in the Loyal Reformers' Gazette on 19/11/1831.