The Master of the Inn confers the order of knighthood on Don Quixotte scene, the Temple cloister / [graphic]

"Erskine, dressed as an officer of the Inns of Court Volunteers, kneels on one knee to receive spurs from Sir James Mansfield, in legal wig and gown, who stands over him, his sword held vertically. Erskine's knee rests on a bulky brief: 'The King v. Hardy Brief for Def[ence]'; he says: "Henceforth I will be faithful and bear true Allegiance [? and abjure] traiterous . . . (the words obscured by his plumed helmet)". In the foreground two couples of privates or N.C.O.s (left and right) walk off scowling suspiciously over their shoulders at the investiture. The design is framed by two arches of the cloister of the Temple Church. Through one (left) is seen the body of the church: three (sculptured) recumbent Knights Templars raise themselves from their tombs to gaze in horror at the scene. All five volunteers wear plumed helmets and epaulets. The two on the left carry, one a pike, the other a bayoneted musket, both directed towards the new knight. Under the foot of one is a torn paper: 'Mr Sheridan Speech & Vote of thanks to the Volunteer[s]'."--British Museum online catalogue