A scene in the Forty thievs [sic] performing at the Theatre Royal. [graphic]

"Fox as Abdallah, captain of the thieves, leads his band towards the treasure-cave; he stands in profile to the right., facing the cave where a Chancellor's gown and a Chief Justice's gown are suspended. On a table decorated with the Royal Arms are three coronets; in front of it, two sacks of 'Cash', a mace, large rolls of parchment inscribed 'Places' and 'Pensions'. The thieves all wear jewelled turbans with aigrettes, Turkisn trousers tucked into boots, zouave jackets edged with fur over short sleeves. Each holds a sabre. Fox exclaims "Open Sesame." The thieves are crowded together behind Fox and Sheridan, who points to the cave, turning round to say: "Glorious spoils comrades in this Cavern of Ours, surely there is enoug to satisfy us all, I long to lead a sober steady Life." The other thieves are not characterized, and it is not clear to which speaker the different speeches belong. Behind and between Sheridan and Fox is Sidmouth saying: "Blister me [cf. BMSat 9849] if I dont think my exploits deserve that roll of Parchment." Windham (regarded as a war-monger, cf. BMSat 9871), says: "I should like a little cutting and slashing befor I left off Buisiness!" The Marquis of Buckingham, indicated by spectacles, says: "If the Cady will but make me a Viceroy ill give up this buisiness at once." This speech is also connected with Bedford's profile Next the head of the latter is that of the tall Moira. Erskine (1.) says: "I'll take the black gown trim'd with gold, and the valuble [the mace] that belongs to it. for my share". An unappropriated speech must belong to Ellenborough (not discoverable): "Well I'll take the one with the Fur upon it, and some thing to make up for the want of Gold trimming." Others of the band are little Lord Henry Petty looking up at Sheridan and the bulky Grenville with his sabre resting on his shoulder. Profiles suggest Burdett (on the extreme left.) and Grey."--British Museum online catalogue