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'The Committee', 18th century. Seated round a table. The paper on the table is entitled The Leagued Covenant. The verse below states they are trying to decide what form of government they want, but can't come to any agreement. For example, some are for a monarchy, some are not; some want to abolish marriage, others want to do away baptism. One man at the top of the table reaches for hat, ready to leave. Plate IX from the story Hudibras, written by Samuel Butler. Hudibras is a colonel in the Cromwellian army. The story shows him getting involved in various misadventures, where he shows himself to be stupid, greedy and dishonest.