Le Diable-Boiteux, or, The Devil upon two sticks : conveying John Bull to the land of promise / Js. Gillray invt. & fect.

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James Gillray
1756-1815
Le Diable-Boiteux, or, The Devil upon two sticks : conveying John Bull to the land of promise / Js. Gillray invt. & fect.
London : Publishd Feby 8th 1806-by H Humphrey-27 St James's Street, [1806]
Bequest of Gordon N. Ray, 1987.
1986.342
Published: 
London : Publishd Feby. 8th 1806-by H. Humphrey-27 St. James's Street, [1806]
Provenance: 
From the library of Gordon N. Ray.
Summary: 

Print shows Fox, as the Devil, springing into the air, supported by small feathered wings inscribed 'Honesty' and 'Humility' and by two stout crutches with the heads of Sidmouth and Grenville. He wears a bonnet rouge with tricolour cockade and the triple plume of the Prince of Wales. Clutching the end of his long cape is John Bull, who is drawn up into the air, losing hat and wig. Fox says, looking over his right shoulder, is saying: Come along Johnny! - take fast hold of my Cloak, & I'll bring you to the land of Milk & Honey!!! The terrified John answers: - O yes, I will try to holdfast! - but I'm damnably afraid that your Cloak may slip off before we get there, & I may chance to break my Neck! Below are shown the roofs of London, including the top of the gateway of St. James's Palace and the dome of St. Paul's. Fox is flying towards the façade of Carlton House, which emerges from clouds; over its roof rises a sun emitting rays, the disk inscribed 'New Constitution'. Above the colonnade is the inscription 'Carolus. II. Redimmus'. Resting on the clouds below Carlton House are three tiny scenes: 'Liberty', with two gamblers throwing dice, one Sheridan the other the Prince; 'Chastity', showing the Prince and Mrs. Fitzherbert, indicated by feathers in her hair, embracing on a sofa; and 'Temperance', showing men carousing around table.

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