"Shelburne, dressed as a monk but wearing a wig, stands in profile to the left, his mouth open as if making a speech, one hand on his heart; he has an alert, propitiatory smile. In his left hand is a rolled document, 'The Speech'. Beneath his feet is etched (as is the publication line) "He wou'd & he wou'd not &c." In the distance is the sea with the sun, inscribed "Poor Old England", sinking below the horizon."--British Musem online catalogue, The old name of Malagrida the Jesuit, given in 1767, was used for Shelburne after he succeeded Rockingham as First Lord of the Treasury, see BMSat 4917 and cf. BMSat 6018, &c. "The speech" is probably that of 13 Dec. 1782 when he refused to answer questions on the exact interpretation of the independence of America in the provisional Treaty. 'Parl. Hist.' xxiii. 305 ff. Cf. also the famous lines on Shelburne's evasive speeches in 'The Rolliad', quoted Rosebery, 'Life of Pitt', p. 51. By the same artist as BMSat 5958, 5975.--British Musem online catalogue, curator's comments, and Shelburne shown in monastic dress facing left, holding a rolled paper in his hand inscribed "The speech". Probably an allusion to his evasive speech in Parliament of 13 Dec. 1782
Alternative Title:
Shell-born Jesuit and He wou'd & he wou'd not &c.
Description:
Title from British Museum online catalogue., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., Probably by the same artist as British Museum numbers 5958 and 5975., and Sheet extended to 25 x 17 cm.
