The departure [graphic]Rowlandson, Thomas, 1756-1827, printmaker[not before 29 April 1784]eng"Fox seated on an ass takes leave of two ladies, one on each side of the ass, holding a hand of each. From under his saddle protrudes his India Bill. On his left stands the Duchess of Devonshire (right) holding out to him a fox's brush. She says: "Farewell my Charley - let no fears assail. For Sure no Fox had e'er so fine a Tail." Fox answers, looking down at her: "If that a Scrutiny at last takes place I can't tell how 'twill be & please your grace But Ladies for your Friendship & good will My Bushy Tail is at your service still." Lady Duncannon, holding Fox's right hand, looks across at the Duchess saying: "Ah! Sister, Sister, must he then depart To loose poor Reynard: almost breaks my heart." They stand outside a house; three ostrich feathers over the door (right) indicate Carlton House. From a window the Prince of Wales looks at the group below. On the extreme left and facing Fox, stands Burke in profile to the right as a post-boy in jack-boots, and holding a whip; under his arm is his 'Plan of economy' (cf. British Museum Satires No. 5657). A signpost points (left) 'To Coventry'."--British Museum online catalogueTitle etched below image.Later state, with new imprint statement and changes to the design. For a description of an earlier state in the Guildhall Library, see page 119 in the British Museum catalogue, v. 6.Date of publication based on earlier state in the Guildhall Library with the imprint "Pub. April 29th, 1784, by S. Hedges, Royal Exchange."Dated by Grego to 18 May 1784, which is perhaps when the print was reissued.1 print : etching on wove paper, hand-colored ; sheet 24.1 x 33.9 cm.Sheet trimmed within plate mark.Formerly mounted on leaf 80 of volume 1 of 14 volumes.