"design in two groups, one (left) representing the past, the other (right) the present. A Dutchman personifying the Dutch Republic, threatened by Spain (left) kneels, hat in hand, before a military officer representing England, imploring help. He says, "the poor distracted States of Holland". The Englishman answers, "I am your Friend Mynheer I'll help you up & beat your foes". A Spaniard stands (left) behind the Dutchman's back, his sword raised to strike, his left fist clenched, saying, "I am determined Mynheer you shall never rise more". On the right is another group of figures representing Holland, England, America, France, and Spain: A Dutchman on the extreme right, smoking a pipe, his hands in his breeches pocket, scowls at an English officer, saying, "I am now ye high & Mighty." (The States General of the United Provinces were addressed as Hogen Mogen, 'High Mightinesses'.) The Englishman, a drawn sword in his hand, says to him "Now is ye time to pay ye debt of Gratitude". America, an Indian holding a tomahawk, says to France, pointing to England, It shall never have my Colonies again. France, a French military officer with a drawn sword, wearing spurred jack-boots, points to England, saying, "begar me will have half his Possessions". Spain, in cloak and feathered hat, also with a drawn sword, stands behind France saying "Don Diego has vow'd the downfall of England." Beneath the design verses are engraved: "See Holland oppress'd by his old Spanish Foe, To England with cap in hand kneels very low, The Free-hearted Britton, dispels all its care, And raises it up from the brink of Dispair. But when three spitefull foes old England beset, The Dutchman refuses to pay a Just debt; With his hands in his pockets he says he'll stand Neuter, And England his Friend may be D------d for the Future.""--British Museum catalogue
Description:
Title from item.
Publisher:
publisher not identified
Subject (Geographic):
Great Britain
Subject (Topic):
Foreign relations, Dutch, Caricatures and cartoons, French, Spaniards, Caricatures and cartons, Americans, Indians of North America, and Clothing & dress