Posting in Ireland [graphic]

"A grotesquely dilapidated post-chaise stands outside a ramshackle inn (r.); the driver lashes the horses cruelly, a boy lifts a pitch-fork to strike, but the wretched animals refuse to move. A barefooted slattern approaches from the r. with a huge red-hot poker. From the post-chaise leans its occupant, who wears a ribbon and star, and a night-cap. His feet have broken through the ruinous chaise; he threatens the driver with his cane; the latter's words are etched after the title: '"------"Forward immediately your Honour; But sure a'nt I waiting for the Girl with the Poker \ "just to give this Mare a burn your Honour, 'tis just to make her start your Honour.' The chaise is roofed with thatch on which a cock is pecking; it is held together by rope, the reins and traces are of rope. The wheels are broken. Above the door of the primitive inn is a placard: 'The New Thatched-House Tavern' [the Thatched House was a fashionable London tavern and club]. On the signboard an eagle attacking a naked infant (Ganymede) is depicted; above is a board: 'Nate Post-Chaise and Whiskey \ Nate \ Entertainment for Man & Beast.' From a brick chimney a little sweep looks out waving his brush. On a bench by the door a man with a crutch and wooden leg sits smoking and drinking, not interested in the departing grandee. In the foreground a lean sow eats from a heap of potatoes; a young pig attempts to suck; another, almost a skeleton, tries to eat potatoes. In the coach-house which is part of the inn, is a second and less-ruinous thatched post-chaise. Beside the road is a stone wall and behind it a signpost, pointing (r.) 'to Ballyragger', (l.) 'to Athlone'"--British Museum online catalogue