R-y-l condescension, or, A foreign minister astonished! April 1817 / [graphic]

"The Princess, in oriental dress, sits regally on a low settee, knees apart, left foot on a stool, with Pergami at her right hand, and others of her suite behind her. She addresses Metternich (right), pointing to Pergami, and saying: "Permit me Sir Prince, to present to you my sweet [scored through and replaced by] suite--" Pergami, bold, florid, and handsome, stands erect, right hand on his hip, holding his busby and the hilt of his sword. He wears hussar uniform as in British Museum Satires No. 12889, with spurred Hessian boots. Metternich, slim and elegant, wearing embroidered court dress with a sword, makes a courtier's bow, answering: "Your R--l H--s is really too Condescending?!" The Princess is a grotesque obese figure in Turkish trousers, short-waisted bodice grossly décolletée, Turkish slippers, and large turban with crescent and aigrette, wearing, like Pergami, a bunch of orders. At her right knee and between her and Metternich is little Willy Austin, cap in hand, and holding a riding-switch. He wears a short braided jacket with trousers, and a childish frill round the neck. Behind him is a stout lady-in-waiting (probably 'Countess' Oldi), oddly dressed, in round cap, décolletée high-waisted bodice and (apparently) breeches or trousers. Two gentlemen-in-waiting behind Pergami wear braided tunics with trousers gathered at the ankle. All the suite, including the boy, wear orders; the three men are whiskered and moustached. Along the wall forming a background are pictures illustrating the persons beneath. Behind Pergami is a prancing stallion with a girth inscribed 'Ich Dien: Cock horse a favourite Stallion.' Behind the Princess is 'A View in Wales', the frame decorated with the Prince's feathers: a mountainous sea-shore with goats. Behind the boy is a scraggy mule with a plume of ostrich feathers, and its tail decorated with ribbons. At its feet 'Black-heath' (see British Museum Satires No. 12027): This is 'Billy A-- favourite Mule--!!!' Above Metternich is the whole length portrait of a courtier, cocked hat in hand: 'Met--her--nick--!!'"--British Museum online catalogue