"A young woman stands within a compass inscribed 'Fear God', holding an open book inscribed 'The Pleasures of Imagination Realized'. At her feet is an open chest full of guineas from which hang bank-notes and jewels; it is inscribed 'The Reward of Virtue'. A small dog stands beside her. In the background (right) is a country house, on the left farm-buildings and haystacks. The four corners are filled ... with the disasters which beset the woman who does not 'keep within compass'. (1) A woman weeps dejectedly with cards and an empty purse on the ground at her feet. (2) A drunken woman lets an infant fall from her arms; on the wall is a torn print inscribed 'Domestic Happiness'. (3) A woman is being conducted to the watch-house by two watchmen, one with his lantern, the other with a rattle. (4) She beats hemp in Bridewell, a man standing behind her with a whip, as in Hogarth's 'Harlot's Progress'. ..."--British Museum online catalogue, description of a larger version of the same design
Alternative Title:
Prudence produceth esteem and Keep within compass and you shall be sure, to avoid many troubles which others endure
Description:
Title from text above and below circular image at center of design., Alternative title from text etched within circular border of center image: Keep within compass and you shall be sure, to avoid many troubles which others endure., After a watercolor drawing by Robert Dighton; see British Museum online catalogue, registration no.: 1859,0709.57., Reissue, with new imprint and date removed, of a print published by Carington Bowles in 1785; see no. 6908 in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum, v. 6. For a larger mezzotint version of the same design with more extensive verses below, see no. 6907 in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum, v. 6., Date based on the partnership of Bowles and Carver from 1793 until 1832., Sheet trimmed to plate mark., Four lines of verse in two columns at bottom of plate: Attend unto this simple fact, as thro' this life you rove, that virtuous and prudent ways, will gain esteem and love., and Plate numbered "347" in lower left corner.
Publisher:
Printed for & sold by Bowles & Carver, No. 69 in St. Paul's Church Yard, London
