Melpomene in the dumps, or, Child's play defended by theatrical monarchs [graphic]

Illustration at the top of the letterpress broadside. "Mrs. Siddons leans back in her chair, majestically resentful. She addresses Harris, [Grego suggests Topham, whom he does not resemble, and who was living in Yorkshire.] patentee and manager of Covent Garden, who stands before her (l.), hat in hand. Between them stands the much taller J. P. Kemble, his left hand on his sister's shoulder. Mrs. Siddons leans one elbow on a table (r.) on which are three books: 'Salary Benifi[ts]', 'The Right of Woman', 'Duty of Man', and a bust of (?) herself, looking reproachfully towards the group. On the wall (r.) is part of a print: 'Propagation of a Lye', six figures from Bunbury's well-known plate, BMSat 7230 (1787). The text is a debate (printed in full by Grego): Mrs. Siddons complains to Harris of neglect on account of 'your Blind Bargain and Infant Roscius'. Harris, 'First Monarch', answers: 'if John Bull chooses to feed on slink calf, instead of substantial roast beef, yet consents to pay for the roast it is not for me to complain. . . . you have had your day. . . .' He reminds her of her good salary. Kemble, 'Second Monarch', supports him, and ends: 'Public taste ... is now in second childishness; and when mere oblivion takes place, then you shall make a sally, and should the Town require a filip [Philip] I will be at your elbow.'"--British Museum online catalogue