The sad and dark effects of the taxes of 1784 [graphic].

"A satire on the taxes on windows, coal, soap, &c. In the foreground a small cart laden with coals is drawn (right to left) by an ass harnessed in front of an ox. A carter stands by the ox, wearing a cap inscribed 'No tax upon Caps'; he says: "I hope we shall sheam Measter P------t and meak him to blush for want of more wit." The ass says, "The tax upon Horses is enough to make a Dumb Ass speak." Behind the coal-cart is a woman standing outside a cottage door (right), her hands in a wash-tub. She says: "Is that Mr P------t I wish he was nigh for instead of the Soap he makes me use Lie." A large three-storied house stands at right angles with the cottage, it has a gabled pediment. Out of thirty-two windows all but seven have been blocked up. A visitor stands, one foot on the doorstep, pointing to a man who stands behind him, saying, "The Honble Mr P------t desires to know whether Esqr Blockup is at home...". A servant in livery at the door holds a lighted candle, saying, "I hope His Honour will excuse our darkness it is to save Taxes". Pitt (left) stands holding a tasselled cane and saying, "I must overlook it all for necessity has no Law". A woman looks out of the centre window of the top floor, saying, "We have got seven windows left now so we are not in total darkness.""--British Museum online catalogue