Great political magician giving the wand of power to his cunning harlequin [graphic]

"George IV, dressed as a magician, rises from the throne (right) to give a wooden sword to Canning, who is dressed as Harlequin. A clown (intended for Melville) turns his back on Canning and the King, to run off, registering anger and alarm. Wellington stands fiercely, with legs astride, both arms raised, holding his sword; he wears uniform with boots and cocked hat. On the left Eldon and Westmorland stand together, with flexed knees, registering senile dismay. The latter, dressed as Pantaloon, drops his crutch. The King, in a robe bordered with symbols (serpents, &c), has the curled wig and whiskers which he had discarded (cf. British Museum Satires No. 14637). He chants: Harlequin! the Gods above have now decreed That thou and all thy measures shall succeed. Fear not old El--n, nor that Pantaloon, West----d, the bold Duke, nor the Scotch Clown. Who e'er opposeth thee, thou by love shalt thrive; Thy Genius and my Cunning him shall drive To H--ll's abyss. Let virtue be thy guide-- This wand I give thee--stick it to thy side."--British Museum online catalogue