The Kentish hop merchant and the lecturer on optic's!! [graphic]

"The lecturer leans on a table, lit by four candles, to address a small well-dressed audience, seated on chairs. On the table are a telescope and a magic-lantern. He says: "Ladies & Gentlemen-- I have the honor for the first time in this county of Kent to deliver a Lectur on Optic's". A fat elderly man rises from his chair to say: "I humbly ax pardon Sir --but before you get on furder, I rises with all due difference to inform you as how in this country we do not call them Hop sticks but Hop poles". The others, more sophisticated, are amused, while the hop-merchant's son, standing behind, registers anguish. A dog, with 'Hop Mer...' on its collar, watches the lecturer."--British Museum online catalogue, description of an earlier state