A later impression of the etching originally published by G. Humphrey, Dec. 11, 1818, reissued by Thomas McLean in his "Cruikshankiana" in 1835.
Library's copy closely trimmed with loss of plate mark.
Exquisite in fits
Print shows a dandy fainting in a chair, supported by three others while a fourth (left) draws the curtain, cutting off a view of the stage where a singer is posturing. The three supporters say: "I am so frighten'd I can hardly stand!"; "mind you dont soil the Dear's linnen," and, "I dread the consequence! that last Air of Signeur Nonballenas has thrown him in such raptures, we must call a Doctor --[a name has been erased] immediately!" The last of them holds a bottle of 'Eau de Colonge' [sic] to the patient's nostril. The fourth turns to say: "I must draw the curtain or his screams will alarm the House--you have no fello feeling my dear fellos, pray unlace the dear loves Stays, and lay him on the Couch." On the floor beside a low-crowned hat is a fan. The four dandies register consternation. All are dressed in the usual manner, two wear wide short trousers, the others tight breeches or pantaloons.