File:(Fragment of a strip design.) (BM 1868,0808.5865).jpg

English: Isolated figures, their words etched above their heads as in BMSat 7482, &c. On the extreme left stands the Prince of Wales holding a feathered hat, his left hand on his breast. He says: "Old Bluff [Thurlow] has Paid me many Compliments the B-----p of C------ [probably John Douglas, Bishop of Carlisle 1787-91] has said many Handsome things but all Condemn my Party, oh that I was but free from such." Next stands the Duke of Clarence holding a bird-cage containing a small bird in each hand; he smiles, although the tip of his nose is missing, and says, "Young Birds just fledged their sweet Nootes ravish my Ears & please my Eyes but D------n the Hen that peck'd my Nose" (probably an allusion to Polly Finch, see BMSat 7698). The Duke of York kneels on one knee in profile to the left, looking down, his right hand on his breast; in his left is a mask. He says, "Thus on my knees I swear I never did love Try------l [Tyrconnel] with half the Flame I feel for you A Flame that Constantly devours me" (cf. BMSats 7404, 7562, 7741). Mrs. Fitzherbert stands holding an open book inscribed 'How sweet the love . . . '(reversed), she looks to the left, her left arm outstretched, saying, "Such what? go on to name the thing you most Dispise, are you then like a beast of draught, who's coller's stretcht & tharefore Galls him". Sheridan, dressed like a Merry Andrew and wearing a fool's cap, holds up a wand, saying, "Gentlemen & Ladies I shall begin to Exhibit again very shortly & then I'll Astonish you all, if I do not prove that H-----gs [Hastings] might have acted more liberal to Us than any Begum did to him, never give me Credit any more D------m me if I do says a Taylor!" Between and behind Mrs. Fitzherbert and Sheridan is a small boat with ragged sails, 'The Contract', steered by Fox, who says, "The Bargain's Struck, Dam Church & State Both Jews & Greek & Christian too I hate Price & Dissenters aye their Cause I'll plead, the Test Act shall like Shop Tax Crown my head". On the extreme right is Burke in profile to the right, wearing a long gown and a Jesuit's biretta (cf. BMSat 6026), with his arms raised above his head, fists clenched as if preaching: "My Brethren let Brotherly love continue, it is a Just Cause you must believe your Pastors we'll make them repeal the Test Act." February 1790
Hand-coloured etching