Sieve

A Main of Cocks

What are Carriages, but cages upon wheels?—What are Riding-horses, but purchased enemies, whom you pamper into strength, as well as inclination, to kick your brains out?—What are Theatres, but licensed repositories for ill-told lies, or stifling shambles for the voluntary sacrifice of time, health, money, and morals?—A Senatorial Debate, (when you have fought your way to it,) what is it but a national Main of Cocks?

James Bereford, Miseries of Human Life (1807),
“Introductory dialogue” 13