In the 15th century publication "Mum and the Soothsegger" MPs were described as follows:
"Some members slumbered and slept and said very little. Some mumbled and stammered and did not know what they meant to say. Some were hired men and would not take any step for fear of their masters. Some were so pompous and dull-witted that they got hopelessly muddled before they reached the close of their speeches".
