As one of the Houses of the English Parliament is, in a great measure, made up of elections from these corporations; and as it is unnatural that a pure stream should flow from a foul fountain, its vices are but a continuation of the vices of its origin.
From "Rights of Man," Paine criticizes the English Parliament, asserting that its vices are a direct consequence of its corrupt electoral origins in corporations, likening it to a foul fountain.
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The more it is struck the more sparks it will emit; and the fear is it will not be struck enough.
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It has nothing to dread from attacks; truth has given it an establishment, and time will record it with a name as lasting as his own.