Association, or, Public virtue displayed in a contrasted view [graphic]

"Several scenes combined in one design. The Associations of various counties to present petitions and form committees to demand reforms are represented in the upper right portion of the plate: A procession of men walks (right to left), their leader holding a standard with the arms of the county inscribed "County of York 30 Decr 1779" (the date of the meeting at which it was agreed to present a petition and prepare a plan for an Association to secure reform). He holds a paper inscribed "Petition" and says, "Virtue & Fortitude shall Guide us". Representatives of the other petitioning and associating counties follow, with the appropriate dates on labels issuing from their mouths: ...". The last man carries an ensign flag on which is inscribed "London Newcastle upon Tyne Bristol Westminster &c. &c. &c." Beneath the procession is engraved "Immortal Gods! What Honor waits the men who save their Country from impending Ruin." The leader is probably intended for Sir George Savile. On the left George III is seated in his closet; a young man stands before him addressing, not the king, but an imaginary audience, saying, "The only Patriot His Power is too Confined". This is perhaps intended for Lord George Gordon's private interview with the King on 27 Jan. 1780; ... . Outside the door of the royal closet and facing the petitioners is a monster with wings and three heads, breathing fire. In the lower right, ... Britannia sits on a ruinous stone pedestal which is being further undermined by a female figure with a forked tail and the legs of a satyr; she is applying a lever to its base saying, "And shall not I, Corruption is my name, Undermine the British Constitution". Lord North attacks the pedestal with a pickaxe, saying, "I will assist you Sister in the same Design". Bute, in Highland dress with the Garter ribbon and star, flourishes a broadsword, while he takes from Britannia the staff and cap of Liberty; he says, "Away wi ye to the Deel Where is your Liberty now". Britannia, holding her shield and 'Magna Carta', says to the marching petitioners above her head, "Tis you alone my Friends who can revive my Drooping Hopes & save me from Distraction". Behind Britannia (left) and in a glory of rays stands a man inscribed "Chatham" with outstretched arms, saying "O Cleanse Yon Augean Stable". He points towards the design beneath the king's closet. This represents the House of Commons (left); the Speaker in his chair, members seated on each side of a table. It is seen through two pillars, up one (right) climbs an alligator, round the other is a serpent with a branch of apples in its mouth. Above is inscribed "Ruled by Powerful Influence". A procession of members walks (left to right) from the House up a path leading to the door of the king's closet above. They carry scrolls inscribed "25 000"; "5000"; "£40,000"; "15,000 £10,000, £50 000". One says, "Secure in the Enjoyment of Places Pensions & Emoluments of Office we fear not the Clamour of Yorkshire Clodpoles"; another says, "God help the Rich the Poor can beg". Their leader carries an "Address of Thanks". Beneath this gang of ministerialists a mythological figure leaning against an anchor and a gushing water-conduit (? Neptune) says,"Is there not some Chosen Curses, ... Public Treasure Wasted in Corrupting the Morals of the People". He is saying, "No New Taxes but a Retrenchment of Public Expences.""--British Museum online catalogue