Preparing the witnesses a view in Cotton Garden / [graphic]

"Italian witnesses, in a large bare room or warehouse, where three are being washed in a large bath by Castlereagh, Sidmouth, and Liverpool. The bath is inscribed: 'Waters of Oblivion. Non mi Recordo [sic]--Ministerial Washing Tub--!' The three witnesses are villainous-looking, and coloured brown. Castlereagh empties a bucket over the head of one, saying: "Can the Etheopean change his Colour." Sidmouth, plying comb and scrubbing-brush, says: "Or the leper his Spots." Liverpool turns to a lawyer (right) saying: "I never had such a dirty job in my life." The lawyer, Gifford the Attorney-General, answers: "We must have them perfect in their Story before they go." He holds a document inscribed 'Milan' [see British Museum Satires No. 13755, &c.]. A second lawyer sits at his feet, mending a pair of breeches. He says: "They are truely a filthy set, we must clear them of Vermin." The discarded garments of the men in the tub lie on the ground, with combs, a lump of 'Itch Ointment', and a box of 'Sulphor'. There are also two boxes: one (left) of 'Windsor Soap', the other (right), 'New Rigging from Monmouth Street' (where second-hand clothes were sold). Three ragged ruffians wait their turn, seated on the ground. Two play cards; one says: "Quel Maledetto Sacco"; the other responds "Ah! quel Sacco" (the Green Bag, see British Museum Satires No. 13735). On the wall behind them hang 'Italian Masks and Daggers just imported.' A high shelf runs round the room, on which stand a pile of 'Dutch Cheese', bottles of 'Italian Oil' and 'Botled Frogs', casks of 'Shalots and Garlick', 'Sour Grout', 'Portable Soup', 'Salt Herrings', 'Butter', a huge basket of 'Eggs', and three jars of 'Pickle'. By the wall on the extreme right, next the lawyers, is a cannon pointing through an aperture."--British Museum online catalogue