The nursery with Britannia reposing in peace / [graphic]

"Britannia, massive, but childlike, sleeps in a large wicker cradle, rocked by Addington, dressed as an elderly woman, who is seated on a low stool (right). Hawkesbury, a thin and spinsterish nursemaid, (left) approaches the foot of the cradle holding out an ornate child's commode, inscribed 'French C . . k . . g Chair'. Behind the cradle appear the head and shoulders of Fox, looking furtively towards Britannia and Addington, while he hangs out napkins to dry on a cord stretched across the fireplace; one is 'French Cambrick'. Britannia sleeps with her thumb in her mouth, her right arm across the coverlet, holding her shield and spear; her uncovered shoulder shows that she is wearing a Roman corslet. The head of the cradle is inscribed: 'Requiescat in Pace'." On the ground is a casserole of 'French Pap'; on the plain chimney-piece are a bottle labelled 'Composing Draught' and a box of 'Opiate Pills'. Above it is a print of 'Buonaparte' playing a fiddle and capering ecstatically. On the wall (left) are a broadside: 'Rule Britannia . . . Britons never will be - ['slaves' torn off] and (right) a birch-rod tied with tricolour ribbon. Addington, Hawkesbury, and Fox all wear their hair in their accustomed manner with the addition of tricolour ribbons. The first two look anxious, Fox registers calculating satisfaction."--British Museum online catalogue