Disciples catching the mantle [graphic] : the spirit of darkness overshadowing the priests of Baal / Js. Gillray invt. & fect.

"Pitt is borne upwards (left to right) in a chariot of swirling clouds of flame drawn by four horses abreast, and snorting fire, while his eyes are fixed on a broad beam of light inscribed 'Immortality'. He flings down his mantle, which his disciples below hold up their arms to receive. The mantle is blue faced with red (the colours of the Windsor uniform); on it a flaming sword lies across a pair of balanced scales, symbolizing Justice. Rays from the mantle strike down on the disciples; thunderbolts radiate from it, against the 'Republican-Mantle' with which the ghost of Fox tries to shelter the Opposition, and also against a tiny Napoleon. The disciples are grouped on a cliff, 'The Rock of Ages', rising from the sea. They surround a rectangular altar, of quasi-classical shape: 'The Altar of the Constitution'. Its two pilasters are 'Prudence' and 'Fortitude'. On this is a book inscribed 'Truth' on which is a royal crown. At its base lies 'Magna Charta'. The central and most prominent of the disciples, in the place of Elisha, is Canning, as the pupil of Pitt (see BMSat 10972); he stands behind the altar. Before it kneel Eldon (left) in Chancellor's wig and gown with the Purse of the Great Seal, and Perceval (right) in the gown of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Next to Eldon (left) kneels Portland. On each side of Canning stand Hawkesbury (left) and Castlereagh (right). Behind are (?) Camden (left) and Melville (right). The four peers wear peer's robes. On the right, and in the foreground, separated from the 'Rock of Ages' by a narrow chasm, is the 'Broad-Bottom-Dunghill' [cf. BMSat 10530]. On this are the Opposition fleeing in terror from the thunderbolts from the Mande despite the gigantic figure of Fox who flies over them, protectingly spreading his cloak. Fox is naked under his cloak, except for a bonnet rouge, and a shroud which floats back from his head. He has webbed wings and a cloven hoof, and he looks up at the Mantle in angry terror. His cloak is set on fire by a thunderbolt. The most prominent of the 'Priests of Baal' is Grenville, who stoops, clutching at his rent breeches; a cardinal's hat flies from his head (cf. BMSat 10404), and over his coat he wears a short cope-like garment with a large cross on it. ..."--British Museum online catalogue.