The mountain in labour, or, Much ado about nothing [graphic].

"On a grassy plateau projecting from a rocky mountain are Wellington, Peel, and an old woman, as doctor-accoucheur, apothecary, and nurse. Where mountain joins plateau there is a shallow cavity in which is a tiny mouse, 'Emancipation'. On the top of the mountain is a royal crown from which float the words: 'Its our Royal Will & pleasure to be delivered.' Wellington, in profile to the right, holds with silent concentration huge 'Ministerial Forceps'. The nurse sits on a low seat holding a spoon and a steaming bowl of 'Political Caudle'. A large open book against her knees, 'THE TIMES', and a large watch (indicating the clock device above the leading article) show that she personifies "The Times". She looks up at Wellington with bleary bonhomie, saying, 'Oh! the dear creature, how many will accompany it to Ireland, to spend thier money--no doubt Dublin will become more fashionable than Paris--now Doctor never mind the windy warfare of those Gentlemen above!' She refers to three "winds": heads issuing from clouds below the mountain-top, each inscribed 'Faction', which blow blasts towards the cavity where the mouse emerges. The centre and principal head is Eldon's; the one on the left says to the third: 'Blow away Wind-chelsea kill the Brat.' The third (Winchelsea) answers 'Aye, Aye, or Cripple it.' Peel, standing behind Wellington, holds up a big medicine-bottle; he says: 'I used to think that Paliatives were the right Medicine, but the Doctor has convinced me something more active is wanted.' In the foreground, standing just below the plateau, are the heads and shoulders of spectators. On the left are two frenzied bishops; one (? Howley) holds up a crozier to which is attached a little 'No Popery' flag; he bellows: 'Brethren, Brethren, Mother Church is in danger.' The other holds up a large mitre extinguisher-wise towards the mouse, shouting: 'Oh the imp, if we catch it we'll Burke it!' [see British Museum Satires No. 15707, &c.]. As a pendant to the bishops are two non-Anglican ministers. One, evidently Irving, in gown and bands, as in British Museum Satires No. 15658, stands with raised arms as if in the pulpit, declaiming, 'The Sword of the Lord, and of Gideon, peradventure we may destroy this fiend of Satan.' Beside him is a minister of lower status, with lank hair and a large 'Book of Faith' under his arm. He says: 'A beast of the bottomless Pit--a beast of the Seven Hills--a horned beast with fire and sword.' Facing him is a startled yokel who asks: 'Pray Sir what sort of a beast be it?' In the middle distance (left), behind the bishops, O'Connell, in wig and gown, stands on the side of the mountain, addressing a band of his followers just below him. They ask him questions, to each of which he answers 'Yes' with a bland gesture: [1] 'I say Dan, will Mancipation make the Prates grow?' [2] 'Dan, shall we get plenty of Whiskey?' [3] 'Will bogs breed Pigs & shall we all wear warm wigs & silk cloaks like you Dan?' On the opposite flank of the mountain (right), much higher up and on a smaller scale, stands Cumberland, in hussar uniform, with a handkerchief to his eye; he addresses a body of dismayed clerics, only one of whom is characterized: 'No doubt this will become a Popish Country, that is if they get the loaves & fishes.'"--British Museum online catalogue