A design in two compartments contrasting the politics of Fox in and out of office.
<p><br>On the left Fox, with a fox's head, is seated before a fire-place with a blazing fire, to which he has just consigned "An Essay on Public Sperit [sic]". From his coat-pocket protrudes a document inscribed "A Panegyric on Lord North". At his right hand (right) is a round table on which are four books and an inkstand with pens. The books are inscribed "Soame Jennings [sic]" and "Tucker". The table is almost covered by a large document to which Fox is pointing: "I do Firmly believe that Lord North is an able &amp; upright Minister - That the American War was pursued on Wise and Virtuous Principles - that the Perogative [sic] of the Crown is too Confined - the liberties of the people too Extensive That the house of Commons ought to be the tool of the Minister - that ye Public Money is Well Applied in Purchasing that hon: House that a parlimentary Reform is A dangerous and Factious Measure - that I ought to do Anything to get into Place."
<br>In the foreground (left) is a monkey playing with an open book, 'The True
<br>Principle of the Constitution'. On the right four large volumes are tied up and labelled "To be Sold"; they are "Macauley", "Locke", "Sydney". The books indicate that Fox has overthrown his constitutional and radical principles, and
<br>before disposes of the works of Mrs. Catherine Macaulay (see index), Locke, and Sydney, while he studies those of Soame Jenyns and Dean Tucker, miscellaneous writers, intended to typify supporters of the prerogative. Cf. Tucker's 'Treatise concerning Civil Government', 1781, and Soame Jenyns's 'Disquisitions on several Subjects', 1782. For Tucker see BMSat 5125.
<br>In the other compartment of the design (right), Fox, out of office, is haranguing the mob. He stands on a platform, right hand raised, his hat in his left hand, surrounded on two sides by a crowd of plebeian appearance, two of whom wave their hats. In front of the platform stands Jeffery Dunstan with his sack over his shoulder, see BMSat 5637, &amp;c; he says, "Thank Heaven the People have Such a Friend". Fox is saying, "Gentlemen Lord North deserves the Axe - Lost an Empire Burthened you with Taxes - plunged you into Debt - Gentlemen your virtue alone can Save the Kingdom - he Butchered your American Bretheren Gentlemen - Ought to be impeached We must clip the power of the Crown Gentlemen - the King is your Servant - Each of you Gentlemen Ought to have a Voice in the House of Commons." 9 April 1783
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<br>Etching
1783<div style="display: none;">date QS:P571,+1783-00-00T00:00:00Z/9</div>
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