The dandy sick O, Tim poor y O, more ease [graphic]

"A bedroom scene suggesting genteel poverty, poorly furnished but with a carpeted floor. An emaciated dandy (see No. 13029) wearing a woman's beribboned cap, and a dressing-gown, with high collar, frilled shirt, and breeches, droops in a chair, attended by two friends and a visitor. The last (left) bows, holding hat and rolled umbrella, and asks "How do? Whats matt." The invalid: "Not Well--Ca-a-nt tell." One friend, wearing woman's cap, scarf, and a dangling pin-cushion, with dandy's dress, proffers a glass containing 'Dandy Water' from an effervescing bottle; he says: "Do my dear fello take this nice cordial & this pretty Gilt Pill, it will raise your delicate drooping spirits, & keep off the Hysterics, which you know distresses your tender frame so unmercifully." The other (right), who wears an apron with dandy costume, and has a medicine-bottle in a pocket, proffers the pill, supporting the shoulders of the patient. He says: "Aye my sweet fellu I will torment my own frame to death, but I will discover some new Pectoral, Balsamic envigorating tonic nervous & exhilerating Cordial for your exquisite and effeminate Constitution." All four have stick-like limbs and debased features. On the bed beside the patient lie two books: 'Ovids Art of Love' and 'Ovids Metamoposis' [sic]. On the wall hang the dandy's coat, top-boots, riding-switch, and (on a shelf) 'Wig' box, spurs, and bell-shaped top-hat. On a bare table (left) are a pin-cushion, bottles, one of 'Ruspinos Styptic' (cf. No. 10258). Under it is an open trunk heaped with articles of dress. On the ground (right) are chamber-pots and a huswife.""--British Museum online catalogue