Ornaments of Chelsea Hospital, or, A peep into the last century [graphic].

"A three quarter length portrait of Dr. Messenger Monsey walking towards the spectator; his right arm rests on the shoulder of a Chelsea pensioner; both men walk with sticks. Monsey wears a hat and wig, the pensioner holds his hat in his right hand. The background is the north front of Chelsea Hospital showing its pediment and eastern portion. This is very freely sketched, as are two pensioners with crutches by the doorway. Beneath the title is etched: 'Epitaph on the late Dr Monsey, supposed to have been written by himself. Here lie my old limbs - my vexation now ends, For I've liv'd much too long for myself & my Friends As to church-yards & grounds which the Parsons call holy, Tis a rank piece of priestcraft, & founded on folly; In short, I despise them; and as for my Soul, Which may mount the last day with my bones from this hole I think that it really hath nothing to fear From the God of mankind, whom I truly revere. What the next world may be, little troubles my pate If not better than this, I beseech thee, Oh! Fate, When the bodies of millions fly up in a riot, To let the old carcase of Monsey lie quiet. Peter Pindar.'"--British Museum online catalogue