Gulliver casting a damper upon the royal fireworks at Lilliput a hasty sketch of yesterday's business / [graphic]Sayers, James, 1748-1823, printmaker[1 March 1786]eng"The Speaker in his hat and robes stands in back view directing a stream (as Gulliver extinguished the fire in the royal apartments in Lilliput) upon Lilliputian fortifications and cannon; those seen between his legs are being dashed to pieces. Beyond are the masts of ships. The devastating stream is inscribed 'Casting vote'. The right side of the Speaker's chair is visible (right)."--British Museum online catalogueAllusion to Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's travels in reference to a bill in the House of Commons addressing Richmond's fortifications. It was defeated, Feb. 27, 1786Title etched below image.Signed with the monogram of James Sayers.