An ass with the head of Sir Charles Flower, the Lord Mayor, and draped with a shaggy skin, is dragged forward by Perceval (left) who tugs at a Ministerial Curb Rein. On its back sit the three Aldermen who were Ministerial M.P.s for the City: the bottle-nosed Curtis sits in front clasping the animal's ear; he says: I should say a speedy dismount &amp; soon [see No. 11306] but that noisy Cur-' tis frightens me so much I dare not get off. He alludes to a dog, John Bull, which barks savagely at the ass: Bow Wow Wow. Behind him sits Shaw, saying P'Shaw on such vile proceeding; from his pocket projects : My Speech for the Common Hall.  The third asks: Is this the Price of my political integrity. Two men (right) maltreat the ass. One, Waithman, drags at its tail, and flourishes a club inscribed Independence, saying, I am only giveing you a little more Weight-man to your tail lest you should prove top heavy. The other, Alderman Combe, the Whig M.P. for the City, pricks the beast's hind-quarters with a goad inscribed Honesty, saying, I'll Combe his hide for him—gee up Jenny, I'll gall the Jade.  Bells are attached to the ass's ears, and to its kicking-strap, which is inscribed [R]oyal Trapings.  A flower inscribed Passion Flower decorates its forehead.   It tramples on a torn paper: Right[s of] Citizens.  The scene is in fields, with the dome of St. Paul's, houses, and spires in the background. A signpost points (left) To Westminster.
<p><br>April 1809
</p>
<br>Etching
1809<div style="display: none;">date QS:P571,+1809-00-00T00:00:00Z/9</div>
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