State of the nation "an ower true tale". [graphic]

"A stout cylindrical shaft stretches across the upper part of the design, inscribed 'Manufactures & Commerce'. To this cling by both hands four ragged and desperate artisans, wearing aprons, but it has broken in the middle so that they, and others clinging to them, are about to fall into the swirling clouds at the base of the design. Two larger and stouter men, respectably dressed employers, cling frantically to the legs or garments of the four artisans. At the base of this inverted pyramid is a stout figure, half-bishop, half-King, clinging to coat-tails and pocket of the two men above him. A bloated episcopal face is half covered by a battered crown (right), while a large mitre tilts to the left, and the figure, Church and State, is clothed half in surplice (left), half in ermine-trimmed robe, with one episcopal leg, and one leg with a garter inscribed '[Hon]i Soit' [George IV as in British Museum Satires No. 15819 by the same artist]. Above the broken shaft is a large irradiated inscription: 'Manufactures & Commerce support the Workmen | they the Merchants & Masters who are the | chief tax payers & thereby support | The great tax eater Church-and- State.'"--British Museum online catalogue