"The Regent, as Macheath, wearing military uniform and heavily shackled, stands between Mrs. Fitzherbert, who kneels at his feet (left) removing his leg-irons, and Lady Hertford (right), who stands beside him taking the fetters from his wrists (inscribed 'Restri[ctions]'), He sings "How happy could I be with either." Mrs. Fitzherbert, a long rosary dangling from her waist, says: "The Benediction of His Holiness light on the Defender of Our Faith." Lady Hertford, sultana-like in a jewelled turban, says: "You heard of the Row & the Rowly Powly Song before Our house the Other Night?!!" Behind and on the right Eldon stands full-face between Perceval and McMahon, who face each other in profile. Perceval, in his Chancellor of the Exchequer's gown, and holding a brief-bag, says: "The Greys won't move without their own Coachman tho the Brewer [Whitbread] has offerd his black to do the dirty Work." Eldon, in a huge wig, holds the Purse of the Great Seal; he says: "We must hire Jobs for the Night Work but we are Pro' Rogued." McMahon, in military uniform, has a number of ribbons and stars hanging over his arm; he says: "These Garters & Ribbonds are all returned." On the wall are two pictures: George Hanger, bestriding his pony (as in No. 8889) with a burly bailiff seated behind him, rides in the direction of a sign-post, with a noose hanging from it, pointing 'To the Kings Bench'. This is 'George & his Hanger On, takeing a ride together to a Lodging in Surry'. The other is Sheridan as Bacchus, but dressed as Harlequin (cf. British Museum Satires No. 9916), bestriding a cask of 'Old Sherry'."--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
Polly & Lucy taking off the restrictions, Polly and Lucy takeing off the restrictions, and Polly and Lucy taking off the restrictions
Description:
Title etched below image. and Watermark: J. Whatman.
Publisher:
Published March 1812 by J. Jonhston, 98 Cheapside
Subject (Name):
Gay, John, 1685-1732., George IV, King of Great Britain, 1762-1830, Hertford, Isabella Anne Ingram-Seymour-Conway, Marchioness of, 1760-1834, Fitzherbert, Maria Anne, 1756-1837, Perceval, Spencer, 1762-1812, Eldon, John Scott, Earl of, 1751-1838, McMahon, John, approximately 1754-1817, Sheridan, Richard Brinsley, 1751-1816, Hanger, George, 1751?-1824, Grey, Charles Grey, Earl, 1764-1845., Whitbread, Samuel, 1764-1815., and Dionysus (Greek deity),
Subject (Topic):
Harlequin (Fictitious character), Military uniforms, British, Shackles, Religious articles, Turbans, Wigs, Bags, and Pictures
