John Bull and the alarmist [graphic].

"John Bull stands squarely, holding a thick stick with a carved head representing a bull-dog, and a frothing tankard ornamented with a crown. He turns his eyes with appraising disparagement towards Sheridan (r.), a ragged bill-sticker, who slouches forward with conspiratorial impressiveness. The latter, r. hand raised warningly, says: "The Corsican Thief has slip'd from his Quarters \ And coming to Ravish your Wives & your Daughters". In his left hand is his bill-sticker's pole, under his arms are papers: 'Loyal Bills distributed pro bono publico', 'Sherry Andrew's Address'. From inside his coat project 'Play Bills'. A bonnet rouge with tricolour cockade, shaped like a fool's cap, hangs from his coat pocket. John answers: "Let him come and be D------n'd! - what cares Johnny Bull! \ With my Crabstick assured I will fracture his Scull! \ Or I'll squeese the vile reptile 'twixt my Finger & Thumb, \ Make him stink like a Bug, if he dares to presume!" John wears a laced cocked hat and powdered wig. His dress is old-fashioned, with spotted handkerchief round his neck, unbuttoned waistcoat, and the wrinkled gaiters of the farmer. From his waistcoat pockets hang papers: 'List of the Volunteer Corps'; 'God save the King'; 'Navy List.'; 'Rule Britannia'. Behind him is a Gothic chair, resembling the Coronation Chair, and having the Royal Arms on the back. This shows that, despite his dress, John is George III. [This is asserted in 'London und Paris', xi. 169.] Beside it (r.) is one end of a heavy, ancient table on which lies a 'London Gazette' with columns headed 'List of Captures' and 'Imports'. Across it lies John's long pipe. On the wall is a broadside, 'The Roast Beef of Old England', headed by a print of an ox regarding a frog. It begins: 'As once on a time a Young Frog \ Beheld a large Ox that . . . \ . . . O the Roast Beef of Old . . . [other words illegible].' Behind Sheridan is the corner of a brick wall on which bills are pasted: 'Heroes . . .'; 'Live Free or Die Slaves'; 'to devour the Women & Children'; 'Consular Monster'; 'Englishmen'; 'First Consul Rascal Scoundrel Rogue'; 'Invasion of Great Britain Pillage Destruction Rapes Murder'; 'Ravishment Conquer or . . .'; 'Corsican Cruelties 4000 Turks murderd after laying down their Arms at Jaffa [see BMSat 10062] - 500 Sick Soldiers poisond in Egypt [see BMSat 10063] O Lord! - O Lord!'; 'Address to Britons blood Murder Cut Throat Butcher'; 'Devil. . .'; 'Little Boney's delight Sword Fire Destruction'. ..."--British Museum online catalogue