The parson at his studies, or, A skittle ground the wrong road to a benefice [graphic].

"On a skittle-ground just outside an inn (left) with the sign of the mitre, a stout parson stoops to throw a ball at a set of ninepins, smoking a long pipe. A farmer, seated close to him, with a foaming jug, says, with his pipe in his mouth, "I think a game of skittles must be healthy exercise Doctor!!" The parson: "Yes! I was advised to it by my Physician! I find great benefit! I get quite a dab at it--here goes the Head of the Church!" He has not seen a grossly fat and carbuncled bishop who has entered the enclosure, leaving a carriage and pair at the gate. The bishop says: "Proceed good Doctor with your Game--I wish you all the benefit from it which your Physician has promised, but I am afraid it will never procure you a Benefice." A man in riding-dress, an ostler, and a countryman in a smock watch from the left, the bishop's coachman and footman from the gate (right)."--British Museum online catalogue, description of an earlier state