The secret history of crim con. [graphic] / Figr. 1

"Six scenes arranged in two rows, divided by lines, each with a caption, and inscriptions above the design. The figures have large heads, broadly caricatured, in the manner of Woodward's Lilliputian designs, cf. British Museum Satires No. 9635, &c. All are ugly except the woman in [4]. [1] 'Morality'. Sourly sanctimonious parsons sit together, each with clasped hands. They say: "Sad times sad times Friend Nicodemus, this Crim Con Business is quite shocking," and Ah it is of no use talking to them--they will have their own way--shocking doings indeed." [2] 'A Kitchen Scene'. A hideous and fashionably dressed old woman (? a cook) reclines in an arm-chair while (?) a steward or clerk of the kitchen stands before her adjusting her large ear-rings. They say: "Do my sweet Creature let me fasten on your ear rings" and "Oh fie Mr Clerk you are really too bad." [3] 'A Lecture'. Two elderly and ugly women stand glaring angrily at each other. They say: "Mrs Amelia Caroline Skeggs [one of the courtesans in 'The Vicar of Wakefield']--I am afraid you give too much encouragement to Mr Spriggins" and "Take care what you say Maam my Character is not to be sported with." The first speaker holds a fan, her breasts are immodestly bare, the other wears a wide straw hat, her hands in a muff. [4] 'An Affair on the Dickey'. A couple embrace on the box-seat of a carriage; the young woman is comely, the other is a coachman in livery. They say: "O you Angel" and "I'm afraid my love you will get the whip hand of me." [5] 'Information'. Two hideous men stand facing each other, one uses an ear-trumpet, and wears spectacles and a night-cap. They say: "Speak louder;, only one shilling damages --why I shall be ruined--" and: "Never mind--you have lost a bad wife, and got a good shilling." [6] 'A Compromise'. A burly fellow threatens with his fists a smaller one who cowers in terror. They say: "you little Scoundrel did not I catch you with my wife--I'll break every bone in your skin" and "Dont be so obstropolous Ill give thee a quartern of gin to make it up and thats better than going to La--"."--British Museum online catalogue