"Ten Odd Fellows with grotesque faces watch a sailor who stands, arms akimbo, wary and pugnacious. The chairman sits in a raised armchair, smoking and drinking, behind a small table on which are two lighted candles. On the back of his chair are three small but realistic heads, seeming to watch the proceedings. A man in a dressing-gown, introduces the sailor, doffing a night-cap: "Most worthy Chairman Mr Benjamin Block of Wapping Old Stairs - attends to be made a Member of the Ancient and honorable Society." The sailor, who wears round hat, short blue jacket, a petticoat (as in earlier prints), and buckled shoes, says: "Avast my Hearties, - before I've proceeded any further on the voyage let me know what course you are steering - if you mean to frighten a British sailor with your goggle eyes, and queer faces you are d------dly mistaken - besides it appears to me that you have got masks on which is like fighting under false colours, and that wont do for an English Jack Tar!""--British Museum online catalogue
Description:
Title from item., Earlier state. Cf. No. 10899, Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires, v. 8., Sheet trimmed within plate mark., Plate numbered in upper right corner: N. 8., and Watermark: J. Whatman.
