The secret history of crim con. [graphic] / Figr. 1Rowlandson, Thomas, 1756-1827, printmaker[15 July 1812]eng"Six scenes arranged in two rows, divided by lines, each with a caption, and inscriptions above the design. The figures have large heads, broadly caricatured, in the manner of Woodward's Lilliputian designs, cf. British Museum Satires No. 9635, &c. All are ugly except the woman in [4]. [1] 'Morality'. Sourly sanctimonious parsons sit together, each with clasped hands. They say: "Sad times sad times Friend Nicodemus, this Crim Con Business is quite shocking," and Ah it is of no use talking to them--they will have their own way--shocking doings indeed." [2] 'A Kitchen Scene'. A hideous and fashionably dressed old woman (? a cook) reclines in an arm-chair while (?) a steward or clerk of the kitchen stands before her adjusting her large ear-rings. They say: "Do my sweet Creature let me fasten on your ear rings" and "Oh fie Mr Clerk you are really too bad." [3] 'A Lecture'. Two elderly and ugly women stand glaring angrily at each other. They say: "Mrs Amelia Caroline Skeggs [one of the courtesans in 'The Vicar of Wakefield']--I am afraid you give too much encouragement to Mr Spriggins" and "Take care what you say Maam my Character is not to be sported with." The first speaker holds a fan, her breasts are immodestly bare, the other wears a wide straw hat, her hands in a muff. [4] 'An Affair on the Dickey'. A couple embrace on the box-seat of a carriage; the young woman is comely, the other is a coachman in livery. They say: "O you Angel" and "I'm afraid my love you will get the whip hand of me." [5] 'Information'. Two hideous men stand facing each other, one uses an ear-trumpet, and wears spectacles and a night-cap. They say: "Speak louder;, only one shilling damages --why I shall be ruined--" and: "Never mind--you have lost a bad wife, and got a good shilling." [6] 'A Compromise'. A burly fellow threatens with his fists a smaller one who cowers in terror. They say: "you little Scoundrel did not I catch you with my wife--I'll break every bone in your skin" and "Dont be so obstropolous Ill give thee a quartern of gin to make it up and thats better than going to La--"."--British Museum online catalogueTitle etched below image.Probably a reissue; beginning of imprint statement has been burnished from plate.Date of publication from Grego.Sheet trimmed to plate mark on top and bottom edges.Plate numbered "161" in upper right corner.Temporary local subject terms: Parsons -- Domestic service -- Coachman, in livery -- Ear-trumpets -- Male costume: Night-cap.