Tom Paine's nightly pest [graphic]

"Another version, reversed, of BMSat 8132. Paine (right) lies as before, but his legs and feet, which were hidden by straw and by cloud, project from under his coat, and the crisping of his toes indicates agitation caused by his dream. The three headless judges (left) with dependent scrolls are as before, with the addition of a cloud-shaped scroll ascending from the central wig, inscribed: 'Know Villain, when such paltry slaves presume To mix in Treason, if the Plot succeeds They're thrown neglected by - but if it fails Theyre sure to die like dogs! as you shall do.' In place of the prison wall is a glory of rays issuing from a sun in the centre of which are the scales of Justice. This is surmounted by shackles and by a scroll inscribed "The Scourge inexorable, and the tort'ring hour, awaits thee". Beneath are, as before, a gibbet (with the addition of a ladder) and a pillory. Between them are a scourge and birch-rod tied together. The inscriptions on the three scrolls are as before except that in 'Charges' 'Falshoods' takes the place of 'Lies', and to 'Punishments' is added 'Extinction from Society'. The inscriptions on Paine's book, &c, are as before except that the alternative title of 'Common Sense is or convincing Reasons for Britons turning Sans Culottes.' The fleurs-de-lis on the tattered curtain are larger and more conspicuous. Above the bed, in place of the crumbling wall, is an open casement window out of which flies a terrified demon with his tail between his legs; he holds a fiddle, but drops his bow and a sheet of music inscribed 'Ca-ira'. Through the window appear clouds and a full moon."--British Museum online catalogue