The king descends the steps of his throne to receive a tarred and feathered man who is being led towards him by Pitt. The victim, whose hands and face only are free from feathers, advances (right to left), his right hand in Pitt's left. He is the Duke of Rutland, appointed Lord Lieutenant of Ireland by Pitt, 11 Feb. 1784. He says, "Is this usage, Sire, for the Representative of Majesty ? You might as well have sent me to govern a Madhouse!" Pitt turns towards him, saying, "Let not your noble spirit be cast down. Your gracious Master shall revenge this insult." The king advances with outstretched arms, saying, "My second self in this pickle! Wild Irish indeed! But my Military Hounds will soon run the frantic Devils down." The throne is raised on a dais of three steps, from the lowest of which the king is stepping; on its seat are the orb and sceptre; the back is ornamented by two carved cherubs holding a crown. Behind, looking round a doorway, are the Prince of Wales and Fox, laughing. The Prince says, "His Plumage does not seem to sit easy on him, Charley". Fox answers, "I honor the People for their spirit; it will teach him to keep a civil tongue in his head."  26th July 1784
<br>Etching
1784<div style="display: none;">date QS:P571,+1784-00-00T00:00:00Z/9</div>
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