From the Wall Street Journal:

… the real gold standard of political invective was set in the 18th century, in an exchange between John Montagu, fourth Earl of Sandwich, and John Wilkes, a sometime friend of his and a rakish member of the aristocracy.

“You will die, sir, either on the gallows or from the pox,” said Montagu. To which Wilkes replied, “That depends, sir, on whether I embrace your principles or your mistress.”

Oh Snap!