State-jugglers [graphic]

"Pitt, Hastings, and Thurlow, the State Jugglers, are on a platform outside the gate of St. James's Palace. Above the gate projects the sign of the Crown inn, across which rests a plank forming a see-saw; on this the King (right) as Punch sits facing Queen Charlotte, dressed as Judy or Mother Shipton; she takes a pinch of snuff, the King holds out his hands as if in disapproval. A crowd of suppliants surrounds the platform. Pitt, bending towards them, pulls ribbons from his mouth; three men on the extreme left hold out their arms eagerly: one is a naval officer, a 'Log Book' under his arm shows that he is Sir Alexander Hood, see BMSat 5536, K.B. elect, see BMSat 7318. The second is Wilkes; the third cannot be identified. Hastings kneels between Pitt and Thurlow, his hands crossed humbly on his breast, a copious stream of coins issues from his mouth. Dundas, Lansdowne, Sydney, a bishop, and a fifth suppliant hold out their hats eagerly to catch the coins. Thurlow stands erect, his hands on his hips, flames and smoke issuing from his mouth inscribed "Hell-Fire, my Soul, Dam, Blast, Eyes, Heaven, Curse, Limbs, Blood". A little chimney-sweep [The sweep is said to represent Frederick Montagu, one of the Commissioners in Fox's India Bill. Wright and Evans.] and a ragged fishwife, a basket of fish on her head, stand gazing at him with wonder and admiration. On the extreme right, at the side of the platform, Fox, supported on the shoulders of Burke, slyly holds out his hat behind Thurlow; Sheridan (?) [Identified by Wright and Evans as the Duke of Norfolk] supports them. ..."--British Museum online catalogue