A peep into the green bag now on both houses of Parliament / [graphic]

"From slits in a huge green bag, labelled 'Evidence against the Q...n', peer the heads of five witnesses against the Queen. Round it stand puzzled and apprehensive Ministers discussing their plans. Castlereagh, on the extreme left, faces Sidmouth who stands with flexed knees holding a constable's staff, one hand on the bag. He says: "Well Gentlemen! we are pretty well in for it now--we must lie through thick and thin to do any good, and get as many as we can to do the same, or it is all up with us; what say you Doctor have you any specific for the occasion." Sidmouth: "Friend Derry I could as soon produce the Philosophers stone or Elixir of Life but if your brazen face can't bring us through it is a forlorn hope, however here is some chance in the Bag!" The head of a man crouching in the Bag looks up to say: "Yes I have some choice Tales to communicate what with Bargemen--Chambermaids--W....s and Rogues, whom I have had the honor to associate with. I shall be able to COOK up a high seasoned dish that his M.....y will relish." On the right of the Bag stands Canning, scratching his head with a puzzled expression; he says: "Curse that City Hop Merchant [Wood] he has thrown bitter into this Brewing with a vengeance! I'll try what a dash of my wit will do, or we shall be obliged to swallow it ourselves!" A pretty female head looks up at him from the Bag, to say: "I say Mr. Flashman! don't stand scratching your head in that manner but hear what I have to tell you when a woman is determined on revenge she will stick at nothing to accomplish it--turn me away indeed for a little amusement with Peter, when my husband was out I hate such scrupulous Modesty. I'll swear any thing you wish." Three faces appear at smaller slits, saying respectively: "I'll swear!"; "So will I!"; "So will I to any lie." Eldon (right) in Chancellor's wig and gown, walks off to the right, holding a rolled document: 'Rex [vers]us Regina'. He says with a meditative frown: "Well Gentlemen I shall go home and consult about it. I dont like to decide too hastily Look before you leap ought to be the Motto of my Seal" [cf. British Museum Satires No. 15139, &c.]. Behind Castlereagh (left) is a table with writing materials; at his feet are bundles of papers labelled 'Foreign Newspapers' and 'Foreign Correspondence private'.."--British Museum online catalogue