Candidates canvassing" for seats in Parliament [graphic]

"A grotesquely ugly candidate (right) bows low, top-hat in hand, right hand pointing to his breast, before a sturdy and ragged rat-catcher, who stands facing him, scratching his forehead. The latter holds by a strap a rectangular cage of rats; across his shoulders, like a garter ribbon, is a broad band on which dead rats, or rat-skins, are extended (cf. British Museum satires No. 5099). Under his arm is a rod on which two rats are spiked, a pouch hangs from his shoulders, and he wears short gaiters. The candidate, apprehensive and deferential, says: "What my honest friend Lurcher--I have not had the pleasure of seeing you since last Election. we expect a severe contest this time, therefore "earnestly Solicit Your Vote and Interest and shall request the Honor of--Mr Lurcher's Company to Dinner at the Hog in the Pound. N.B. Dinner Ticket only .10s--6d." Close behind the candidate is his very ugly agent, holding a purse from which he is about to take a coin. Both wear spurred boots. The rat-catcher answers: "I see Your Honor bees mortal short of memory. You forget as how your Worships committed me to the County Jail for--a Month--"fro [sic] only Throwing a Sheeps Je at a Hare running a cross the Common. So your worship may if you please Call a gain to Morrow [a catch-phrase, cf. British Museum Satires No. 11207]." Two curs stand beside him. Behind is the corner of his cottage; over the door: 'Gs Lurcher Rat Catcher All sorts of Vermin destroyed'. A fat countrywoman stands on the door-step using a broom to dislodge two cats from the projection over the door. In the background (right) is a country inn with a sign on which a fat pig is depicted. A man leads two saddle-horses under the entrance to the courtyard; above is a placard: 'Neat Wines ...' In a bow-window punch-bowls and bottles are ranged."--British Museum online catalogue