Listons dream! [graphic]

"Liston starts up in bed, alarmed at Venus who stands upon cloud at the foot of his bed (left). Mrs. Liston, small and doll-like (cf. BM Satires 12327), sleeps beside him. A large crescent moon shines through the window. On an arm-chair by the bed (right) are heaped top-hat, trousers, &c, a volume of Shakespeare, a candle (extinguished), and a glass of grog. In the lower margin: As Liston lay wrapt in delicious repose, Most harmoniously playing a tune on his nose, In a Dream there appeared the adorable Venus, Who said, "to be sure there's no likeness between us, But to show that a Goddess to kindness so prone is, Your looks shall soon rival the handsome Adonis." Liston woke in a fright, and cried, "Heaven preserve me, If my face you improve, Zounds, Madam, you'll starve me.""--British Museum online catalogue