Effects of the ninth day's express from Covent Garden, just arrived at Cheltenham

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Thomas Rowlandson
1756-1827
Effects of the ninth day's express from Covent Garden, just arrived at Cheltenham
etching, hand colored
image: 222 x 328 mm; plate mark: 248 x 328; sheet: 268 x 373 mm
Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan, 1900.
Peel 1626
Published: 
[London?] : [publisher not identified], [1788]
Provenance: 
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Notes: 

Attributed to Rowlandson by George and Grego.
Four lines of verse inscribed in 2 columns on either side of title: Did you know the lad that courts you, he not long need in vain. Prince of songs of dance of sports. You scarce will meet his like again.

Summary: 

Print shows the King, Queen, and Princesses standing by the pump at Cheltenham, receiving with horror a post-boy (left) who holds out a placard inscribed 'Ninth Days Poll Majority for Lord John Townshend 218'. A bewildered yokel stands under the pump, letting the contents of his water-jug pour over the King's foot. The King staggers backwards and is supported by a man whose dismayed face is in shadow. The Queen, horror-struck, stares at the messenger; two princesses clasp their hands in dismay. The post-boy wears spurred jack-boots and carries a postilion's whip. Behind him (left) is a signpost on which stands a raven; one arm points to 'London', the other 'To Cheltenham': the pump is under shady trees. A church and houses are indicated in the background. Cf. BM Satires.

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