Samsonic lodge [graphic]

"Under a canopy (left), sits the 'Noble Grand' or chairman on a raised platform, on each side of him on a lower level sits a 'Vice Grand'. All three wear hats and (like the other members) medallions hung on broad ribbons. In front of the dais is a draped table with emblems of the society, a beehive, a Holy Bible, with a punch-bowl, wine-bottle, and a writing-desk, beside which sits the secretary, holding a pen. On the extreme right is the doorkeeper, a small man wearing a lion's skin round his shoulders and holding up a large club, at the head of which is ficed the jaw-bone of an ass. A member, whom the text shows to be Sir Watkin Lewes, is introducing a small man as a candidate for membership, his thumbs being tied together. The other members are smoking and drinking. In the foreground (left) sits a man whose wooden leg, and a paper inscribed Pension 500 which issues from his pocket, show that he is Brook Watson. Others are seated in the background (right) behind a table with punch-bowl, glassses, and pipes. On the wall is a half-length picture of Samson, raising the ass's jawbone. There are also six framed coats of arms of those who have served the office of Noble Grand. The room is lit by a chandelier composed of two (Argand?) lamps with glass chimneys, hanging from the ceiling."--British Museum catalogue