The interior of a latrine up to which leads a flight of stairs (right) indicated by a balustrade inscribed 'Back Stair'. The king is seated on a long seat inscribed 'Treasury'; he turns his head in profile to the right to greet Temple and Pitt who have just entered by the back stair. He says to them "S * * * * thou on my right hand until I have made thine Enemies thy Footstool", waving them towards a vacant seat on his right hand. In his left hand, on the floor, and on the seat beside him are papers inscribed respectively 'Resoluti[on] of Parlm', 'Resolution of ye Commons', 'Commons Resolution', 'Commons Address'. Above the vacant seat is pasted a half-length portrait, the head torn off, inscribed 'Lord Chatham'.
<p><br>Temple, with a smile, introduces Pitt to the king, holding him by the lapel of his coat; in his left hand is the dark lantern of a conspirator. Pitt stands shyly hesitating at the top of the stairs, watching the king dubiously, his left hand in his waistcoat pocket, a finger in his mouth (as in BMSat 6425, 6445). On Temple's head is a circular temple; he wears a long cloak, confined at the waist by a belt inscribed 'Secret Influence' (the second word indicated only). From the back of his neck hangs down below his waist a miniature ladder, indicating the secret means by which he has gained access to the king. He looks towards the king with a triumphant smile.
<br>beneath the design is inscribed:
<br><br>'The fate of Publick Spirit and the stink
<br>Of that corrupted Cause whose secret pow'r
<br>Brought * * * * [Pitt] into the State, and all his mob
<br>With loss of Honours 'till one greater man
<br>Regain them and restore the public trust.
<br>Sing Patriot Muse!------------Milt.'  21 February 1784
</p>
<br>Etching
1784<div style="display: none;">date QS:P571,+1784-00-00T00:00:00Z/9</div>
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