"A low platform covered with roses extends almost across the design; from this bed new Ministers advancing from the left are ejecting the old. Roses are scattered on the floor. The central figure is the tall and handsome Castlereagh, author of the phrase, see British Museum satires No. 10558, &c. With a taut two-stringed bow in his left hand, a quiver on his shoulders, he strides across Grenville who is on his back on the bed, and takes 'Candle End[s] & Cheese Paring[s]' from a bag with which Windham tries to make off (see British Museum Satires No. 9735). He says: "I'd have you to know I've two strings to my Bow!! Down, Down, Down, Derry Down!!" [See British Museum satires No. 10426.] Behind him, Portland threatens Grenville (in his peer's robe) with a big block of 'Portland Stone' [see British Museum Satires No. 10718, &c.]. In front of Windham Rose steps forward from the bed to grasp a large rose on the floor: 'Treasurership of the Navy.' This Sheridan, in his Harlequin's suit (see British Museum Satires No. 9916), is crawling towards, saying, "Just got into my first Nap - how - Unfortunate - come Sir fat touch that however." Rose holds up a pair of bellows inscribed 'Sing old Rose & burn the Bellows'. Eldon, in Chancellor's wig and gown, strides from the bed on to the prostrate Erskine, seizing the Purse of the Great Seal, whose cord is still round the latter's arm. He raises the mace to strike the ex-Chancellor, whose wig has fallen off. Erskine says: "Be quiet I'll retire"; he holds a money-bag inscribed '4,000 Pr Anm' [see British Museum Satires No. 10714]. Lauderdale, wearing a plaid, is behind him on the ground. On the extreme left Canning, standing on the bed, holds up a massive club inscribed 'Bon Mots & Repartee by G C--g'; he stoops over Howick pointing at the 'Catholic Bill', which the latter holds. Howick steps from the bed, angrily looking up at Canning (his especial enemy, cf. British Museum Satires No. 10972), but, unlike his colleagues, not devoid of dignity. On the ground between Howick and Sheridan is Petty in his gown, one hand on his 'Budget', a small bag, the other on a sheaf of papers inscribed 'Ways & Means'. He says: "Bless me I wish I was safe in College I'd never have anything more to do with Taxes" [an allusion to his youth, and to the fact that he was M.P. for Cambridge]. In the background (right) are Moira in his cocked hat and Lord Temple who makes off rapidly."--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
Retaking the bed of roses by storm!!
Description:
Title etched below image., Attribution to Charles Williams and approximate date of publication from British Museum catalogue., Imperfect; sheet trimmed within plate mark with partial loss of title from bottom edge., and Mounted on linen and formerly sewn in an album, with only the holes remaining on the left edge.
Publisher:
publisher not identified
Subject (Geographic):
Great Britain
Subject (Name):
Castlereagh, Robert Stewart, Viscount, 1769-1822, Windham, William, 1750-1810, Portland, William Henry Cavendish-Bentinck, Duke of, 1738-1809, Grenville, William Wyndham Grenville, Baron, 1759-1834, Rose, George, 1744-1818, Erskine, Thomas Erskine, Baron, 1750-1823, Sheridan, Richard Brinsley, 1751-1816, Lauderdale, James Maitland, Earl of, 1759-1839, Canning, George, 1770-1827, Grey, Charles Grey, Earl, 1764-1845, Hastings, Francis Rawdon-Hastings, Marquess of, 1754-1826, and Buckingham and Chandos, Richard Temple Nugent Brydges Chandos, Duke of, 1776-1839
Subject (Topic):
Politics and government, Beds, Roses, Draperies, and Fighting
