Master Fang the parish beadle [graphic]

"Lyndhurst (see No. 15705), in his Chancellor's wig, is dressed as a beadle in gold-laced cocked hat and coat over his own black knee-breeches. He holds a tall (beadle's) staff representing the mace; a pouch representing the Purse of the Great Seal hangs from his left arm. He stares fixedly. Above his head: 'There's a great deal of trouble with some of our Wards'. After the title: 'Look at me--on't See--don't see I'm the Beadle of Parish &c'. Below the title: '"He Sir that takes pity on decayed men--and gives them Suits of durance; he that sets up his rest to do more exploits with his Mace--than a Morris pike--vide Shakspeare' ['Comedy of Errors', iv. iii]"--British Museum online catalogeue