"Ministers recline on a large low platform, representing a magnificent state bed, which is completely covered with roses. It recedes in perspective from left to right. On the left is Fox, looking sourly over his left shoulder at his neighbour, Sheridan, to say: "This is the most uncomfortable bed I was ever on in my Life and not the least like a bed of Roses - Zound!! what a thorn is running into me - Oh that Bramble - Sherry my Dear how do you find it - ". Sheridan answers: "My dear Charley, I have not had a wink since I have been on it, - curse that Castle man what did he mean by his bed of roses - I am as sore from the tip of my Nose, to the tip of my Toe - as if I had been roling on a quick set-hedge - or stung to death by a swarm of bees at a Hampshire Farmers [an allusion to Cobbett's pen]". Behind Fox, and in profile to the left, Moira, in uniform, with cocked hat and jack-boots, sits up, very erect; he says: "What are Cannons or Bombs or clashing of swords, compared to the pain I endure." Windham, next Sheridan, registering melancholy, says: "I feel more uneasy than if the whole Volunteer force was upon me." Ellenborough, behind Sheridan and Windham, ill-temperedly puts his hand to his wig. Erskine, also in wig and gown, reclines as if exhausted, his eyes closed, his attitude characteristic of his notorious fainting in court (see British Museum Satires No. 7956). He and Grey (Lord Howick from 11 Apr.), who sits behind him, are in profile to the right; the latter says: "It is just such a bed, as I expected the late bungling bed makers would leave us." On the extreme right little Lord Henry Petty (wearing his Chancellor of the Exchequer's gown) sits up, angrily holding above his head two handfuls of thorn-branches. He says: "I shall never have done clearing the brambles and Nettles from this Bed, my Budget would not hold one half of them." The low frame of the bed is carved and has a valance of fringed and festooned draperies. At the head are the Royal Arms; looped curtains are suspended above it."--British Museum online catalogue
Description:
Title etched below image., Attributed to Charles Williams in the British Museum catalogue., and Mounted on linen and formerly sewn in an album with only the holes remaining on left edge.
Publisher:
Pubd. April 1806 by Walker, 7 Cornhill
Subject (Geographic):
Great Britain
Subject (Name):
Fox, Charles James, 1749-1806, Hastings, Francis Rawdon-Hastings, Marquess of, 1754-1826, Erskine, Thomas Erskine, Baron, 1750-1823, Grey, Charles Grey, Earl, 1764-1845, Sheridan, Richard Brinsley, 1751-1816, Ellenborough, Edward Law, Baron, 1750-1818, Windham, William, 1750-1810, Lansdowne, Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice, Marquess of, 1780-1863, Castlereagh, Robert Stewart, Viscount, 1769-1822., and Cobbett, William, 1763-1835.
Subject (Topic):
Politics and government, Beds, Roses, and Draperies
"The Duchess of Devonshire sits astride a galloping fox, her face to its tail. A signpost by the fox's head points (left) 'To Cuckolds Hall'; on the top of the post is a pair of horns. The Duchess wears a hat trimmed with ostrich feathers and with a ribbon inscribed 'Fox'"-- British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
One good turn deserves another
Description:
Title etched below image., Reissue of a print originally published 24 May 1784. See British Museum catalogue., and Mounted to 28 x 36.5 cm.
Publisher:
Pubd. May 24, 1787, by J. Notice, Oxford Road
Subject (Geographic):
Great Britain
Subject (Name):
Cavendish, Georgiana Spencer, Duchess of Devonshire, 1757-1806, Fox, Charles James, 1749-1806, Cavendish, Georgiana Spencer, Duchess of Devonshire, 1757-1806., and Fox, Charles James, 1749-1806.
Subject (Topic):
Politics and government, Adultery, Foxes, and Traffic signs & signals