"A hand, 'Manus Populi', extends into the design from the upper margin, holding a chain from which hangs a pair of scales. On one (right), close to the ground, sits the Queen, hands crossed on her breast, saying: "My innocence will support me & my Country will protect me-- 10 Great Men against one unprotected Woman are fearful odds." The other scale, high in the air, is completely filled by a green bag, see British Museum Satires No. 13735, from the mouth of which emerges the head of George IV, crowned. Attached to the beam, by a rope round his neck, hangs a military officer, holding a huge key; as a makeweight he dangles vainly against the left side of the King's bag. Three men standing below pull at the scale, trying to drag it down: they are Sidmouth (left), a judge in back view (? Leach), and Castlereagh (right), who says: "We cannot do it, and I told you so at first, & if she opens her bag we shall be stifled all of us." The King looks down at them with a distressed expression, saying: "Pull you lubbers.""--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
Green bag, its contents and all its appendages are insufficient to turn the scale of public opinion
Description:
Title etched below image., Date precedes publisher's statement in imprint., and Sheet trimmed to plate mark.
Publisher:
Pubd. by S.W. Fores, 41 Piccadilly
Subject (Geographic):
England.
Subject (Name):
Caroline, Queen, consort of George IV, King of Great Britain, 1768-1821, George IV, King of Great Britain, 1762-1830, Sidmouth, Henry Addington, Viscount, 1757-1844, Castlereagh, Robert Stewart, Viscount, 1769-1822, and Leach, John, 1760-1834
Subject (Topic):
Politicians, Military officers, British, Keys (Hardware), Scales, and Bags
