Database of Poems
A Tory's Prayer to the Cholera Morbus
1832: Representation of the People Acts
Author: Anon
Publication: Scotsman [or, Edinburgh Political and Literary Journal]
Published: 14 December 1831
Place of publication: Edinburgh, Scotland
Publication type: Newspaper/Periodical
Featured individuals:
George Finch-Hatton, Earl of Winchilsea (1791-1858)
John Scott, Earl of Eldon (1751-1838)
No full copy of this poem is available.
Archive/Library: National Library of Scotland
Classmark(s): Mf. N. 3
Pages(s): 4
This poem comments on the cholera pandemic, and the speaker portrays cholera as a friend to the Tories. Cholera is the 'prince of all man-slayers', which can save the Tories, now that all their schemes are 'blown'. We are told that the people are 'determined on Reform' and, despite every attempt to to prevent it (bribing, fibbing and tricking), they have failed. The speaker then appeals to cholera, stating that 'the Bill will pass' if cholera 'wilt not fight for us'. This poem is attributed to the Metropolitan Magazine, a London perodical. Two other names are mentioned that could refer to several figures: Wharncliffe and Newcastle.