The balance of power [graphic].[8 May 1780]eng"The beam of a pair of scales supported on a post, from each end of which, instead of a scale, dangles a man as if from a gibbet. On the centre of the beam is perched an owl wearing a ribbon and star, inscribed "Center of Gravity". On the lighter side (left) hangs a man over whose eyes a fool's cap has been drawn, through which protrude ass's ears. In his right hand is a "Plan for enlarging Newgate", in his left a copy of the 'General Advertiser'. On the right hangs a man in parson's gown and bands, his eyes covered by a turban-shaped cap; in his left hand is a copy of the 'Morning Post', in his right a newsboy's horn, from which issues a blast inscribed "Blast ye", directed against the other body hanging from the gibbet. On his breast is a playing-card, the knave of clubs. Over his head are falling a castle, two churches, and two mitres. He is Bate, editor of the 'Morning Post', noted as a bruiser, see BMSat 5550, &c. On the ground stand two figures pointing to the gibbet: Justice (left) leans on her sword, holding her scales, above her head is engraved: "Grave wisdom takes the centre of the Beam, And leaves to Knave & Fool, the wide extream." The owl perhaps represents North, often accused of unseemly levity, and his attitude towards Ministerial journalists. The Devil (r.) stands holding a coffin on which is a skull and cross-bones surmounting a freely sketched inscription suggesting the words "Here lies P[arson] B[ate]" and two reversed mitres. He points grinning to Bate; above his head is inscribed, "Here I wait; To take my B------.""--British Museum online catalogueTitle from item.Trimmed to design.