The funeral-procession of Broad-bottom [graphic]

"The procession has advanced to the door of a church (r.) which a parson closes, dropping his prayer-book, open at the 'Burial Service'. Only his arms and robe are visible; he says: " - no Burial here, for Broad-Bottom: - he died a Roman; - besides, - 'tis a felo-de-se case; - take him to the next 4 cross-roads; & the Family has a large Stake always ready!" Only the acolyte at the head of the procession has realized this check: little Lord Henry Petty drops his bell and candle and capers in dismay. The three pall-bearers (a fourth is hidden behind the coffin) are (l. to r.) Sidmouth, Lord St. Vincent, and Windham. All wear mourning hats, scarves, and cloaks, and clutch handkerchiefs, weeping large tears. Below the coffin are seen the robes and bare sandalled feet of monks. On the top of the coffin is Grenville, face downwards, and showing the back of his wig, and a dome- shaped hump denoting his famous 'broad-bottom' (see BMSat 10530). At the four corners are ostrich plumes. On a placard on the side of the pall: 'Gul: Baro: de Broad-Bottom Obiit die Martis 24° A: D. 1807'. Behind the coffin walks the Pope, in his tiara and robes, weeping and supported between the Marquis of Buckingham and his son Lord Temple. Both weep with gestures of extravagant grief; both are dressed as priests. Behind, thin and ascetic, is Howick, a barefooted monk, holding up the Pope's long robes. Behind walk arm-in-arm, both shambling and dissipated, Sheridan clutching a bottle of 'Brandy' and General Fitzpatrick, from whose pocket hangs a paper: 'Tears of Hedge Lane' [a squalid resort of prostitutes in Westminster]. Both wear mourning hats, scarves, and cloaks. Next, Erskine and Ellenborough walk together; Erskine claps to his eye his beloved and discarded Chancellor's wig. At the end of the procession and on the extreme left. are Lauderdale and Moira wearing his cocked hat with a mourning scarf and cloak. All weep, registering deep distress. There is a landscape background."--British Museum online catalogue