A naval officer wearing a ribbon and star is mounted on the back of an old naval pensioner, with a wooden leg and a blind eye who is supported on crutches. He gives his right hand to another officer who is dancing along by his side, his right hand on his hip. The old pensioner says,
<p><br><br>"To what a Condition alas! am I brought, 
<br>Who so many Battles so bravely have fought" 
<br><br>The scene is outside the gates of Greenwich Hospital. A pensioner lies in the road, in front of the triumphant pair, leaning against a post or milestone (right). He says,
<br><br>"Alas! what a Scene to each Son of the wave, 
<br>Who in Thunder &amp; Fire have always been brave."
<br><br>Immediately behind the old pensioner who is being used as a beast of burden walks a man with a surly expression, beating a drum. Behind him (left) three pensioners supported on crutches and sticks, walk away turning their backs on the procession. One looks over his shoulder, saying,
<br><br>"Is this the reward for services past,
<br>While------with Honor &amp; profits are grac'd."
<br><br>In the background buildings of the Hospital are freely sketched. Beneath the design is engraved:
<br><br>"The shake of the hand, with such Goodness &amp; grace, 
<br>Shews who is in Favour &amp; who is in place, 
<br>At Greenwich the poor Invalids will proclaim 
<br>What at present we do not think proper to name." 13 November 1780
</p>
<br>Hand-coloured etching
<div class="fn value">
<p>Print made by: Thomas Rowlandson
</p>
<dl><dd>Published by: John Harris</dd></dl></div>
<a rel="nofollow" class="external free" href="https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1851-0901-37">https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1851-0901-37</a>