At right of title: Representing an Empty-Barrel tossed out to amuse great Leviathan-John-Bull, in order to divert him from instantly laying violent hands upon ye new Coalition Packet - Vide Swifts Preface to the Tale of a Tub.
Print shows a sea-monster with a cavernous mouth spouting two cascades, labeled 'Ridicule' and 'Contempt', which deluge an open packet-boat manned by the new Ministry. The monster has the horns of a bull and a lashing tail which churns up the water. The boat is in danger also from heavy waves and to her broken mast is lashed a broom to which the single patched sail is tied. (A broom at the masthead signified that the ship was for sale). This sail is filled by a blast from a wind or winged cherub with the head and shoulders of the Prince of Wales, wearing a round hat, with his feathers, and bulky cravat, and surrounded by heavy clouds. Between packet and whale is the barrel thrown out by the crew. This is inscribed 'Real Constitutional Spirits - No Maidstone' with the letters 'MT' [empty]. In the boat are Erskine, Sheridan, Petty, Grenville (dressed as a naval officer), Windham, Spencer, Fox, Grey, and at the tiller, Lord Ellenborough in wig and gown. Partly above the horizon is a rising sun inscribed 'Power'; its rays are 'Cheese Parings', 'Candle Ends', 'Pluralities', 'Dissipation', 'Sensuality', 'Libertinism', 'Private Pickings'.