"Twelve standing figures arranged in two rows, their words etched above their heads. [1] A fat and prosperous citizen smoking a long pipe, smoke puffing from the corners of his mouth and his nostrils: 'I will be bound - with a dozen of our Club and a proper allowance of fire, and the best Virginia, to smoke the French Mounseers from Dover to Calais, in the turning of a Tobacco stopper, who's afraid?' (cf. British Museum Satires No. 8220). The others, who make similar boasts of their ability to resist an invasion are: [2] A shambling journeyman tailor who speaks in the name of 'all united Taylors'. [3] A ragged cobbler, knock-kneed to deformity, who is also a preacher, cf. British Museum Satires No. 8026. [4] A 'Loyal Gypsy' with an (unnecessary) wooden leg. [5] A young woman (? Mrs. Concannon) as one of the 'Host of Faro, prepared to batter the enemy, with the remnants of our Reputations!' [6] A badly maimed officer, on stumps, with amputated right arm. [7] A doctor prepared to use his 'patent pills' on the enemy. [8] A Billingsgate virago. [9] A yokel: 'they had better keep away from our village . . . for I believe in my heart, the very Turkies would rise in a mass against them, who's afraid.' [10] A foppish apprentice: 'I am a tight dashing fresh water Sailor; - keep a funny row to Putney every Sunday - let me catch them above Bridge - thats all. who's afraid.' [11] An attorney prepared to present his bill to the enemy. [12] A stout man wearing a hat stands in back view, legs astride, coat-tails raised as if with his back to the fire: 'Lets teach em good manners D------mme who's afraid?'."--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
Effects of an invasion!!
Description:
Title etched below image., Printmaker from British Museum catalogue., Imperfect; sheet trimmed within plate mark on three sides resulting in loss of title from lower edge. Title supplied from impression in the British Museum., and Manuscript title added in ink at bottom of image, above imprint: Who's afraid! or the effects of an invasion!!
Publisher:
Pub. Nov 21, 1796, by S.W. Fores, No. 50 Piccadilly corner of Sackville Street
Subject (Topic):
Public opinion, Pipes (Smoking), Tailors, Shoemakers, Disabled veterans, Amputees, Physicians, Pitchforks, Dandies, British, Lawyers, and People associated with manual labor