Kissing hands, or, The strangers at court [graphic].

"George III, in profile to the right., has risen from the throne to receive the new Ministry whom he inspects through his glass (as in BMSat 10019). The head and halberd of a beefeater appear behind the throne. All bend low; Fox, the foremost, makes the lowest and most obsequious bow. His court suit, with flowered waistcoat, and coat with too much gold lace, is worn with his old buff breeches. Grenville, beside him, makes a gesture of introduction. Crowded behind these two are the others: Windham with his hand on his heart, Sheridan looking eager but apprehensive, Moira and Sidmouth more impassive; Erskine, in Chancellor's wig and gown, smiles with complacent egotism (cf. BMSat 9246, &c); on the extreme right. is (?) Lord Henry Petty. The King says: "Gentlemen I am very happy to see you here, in such Talents my People must have the most Implicit Confidence, & well as myself - Hum, don't like the Mixture. - " The new Ministers say simultaneously (dotted lines rising from each head to the inscription): 'We assure your M-----of our most confirmed Integrity, & are determined to make the - the the most of our places."--British Museum online catalogue