Burke and Sheridan are in violent conflict: Burke (left), very tall and thin, lunges forward, seizing Sheridan by the throat, his fist ready to strike; Sheridan (right) holds Burke's cravat and has seized his wig by the queue, revealing a bald head inscribed 'Tory'. Burke (Peachum) says, "Brother, brother we are both in the wrong"; from his pocket protrude a paper inscribed 'Secrets'.  From Sheridan's pocket protrudes a large key inscribed (in pencil) 'Prince's Closet'. Behind Burke (left) is a table on which is an open book inscribed 'To day Argue for Republicism' [sic] and 'To-morrow Argue for Monarchy'.   This is propped up on two papers: 'Almanack Full Moon' and 'At present fully satisfied with my conduct respecting my Persecution of Mr H[astings]'. Above is a picture: 'The Sublime &amp; Beautiful Janus'.   Two Burkes, back to back in profile, gesticulate violently, as if making a speech; one (left) 'Speaking on English Affairs', says, "Hurled by Providence from the Throne" (an allusion to a speech of Burke on the Regency, 5 Feb. 1789. 'Parl. Hist.', xxix. 1213. Wraxall, 'Memoirs', 1884, v. 301.  It roused general condemnation, cf. BMSats 7499, 7689, 7868); the other (right), 'Speaking on French Affairs', says, "Kings should be held Sacred". Beside Burke, who wears court dress, is his 'chapeau-bras', beside Sheridan a plain round hat. Behind Burke a piece of (?) wood inscribed 'Revolution' lies on another inscribed (in pencil) 'Toleration'; together they form a cross. Behind Sheridan are two crossed keys, broken, and labelled 'Regency disappointment'. Beneath the title is etched, 'or the fall out and make up, a Scene in the Beggar's Opera [11. ii], as Acted, at the Great Theatre, by two distinguished Characters.' 15 February 1790
<br>Hand-coloured etching
<div class="fn value">
<p>Print made by: William Dent
</p>
<dl><dd>Published by: William Dent</dd></dl></div>
1790<div style="display: none;">date QS:P571,+1790-00-00T00:00:00Z/9</div>
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