Tragic readings [graphic]

"A man stands on a rostrum (left) reading nearsightedly from a book, with the expression and gesture (right fist clenched) of a ranting actor. The audience are much moved. Two men try to lift a fainting lady, resembling Mrs. Wells, from her chair (right). A man seated near her astride a bench inspects her through a quizzing-glass with amusement; his neighbour (? Topham), also astride, gapes at her with consternation. On the rostrum are two placards: 'Tomorrow | As you like it, with Select | Poems and To Night, First | Orlando Furioso, | Second | The Victim | with Part | of Mr Sheridans | Speech in | Westminster Hall' (see BMSat 7331). On the wall are three framed pictures or prints (left to right): a fox looking in at a window; an actress raising a dagger to stab herself; two cupids, one raising an axe to strike the other who lies prostrate."--British Museum online catalogue