Pitt, a very elongated mannikin, with a candle-flame rising from the crown of his head, stands on a rectangular block inscribed 'T[rea]sury bench'. His head and the flame are irradiated to indicate a rush-light; his hands are on his hips, and his head is turned defiantly in profile to the left. By his right foot is a paper: 'Sedition Bill', see BMSat 8687, &amp;c. The 'bench' is surrounded by leaders of the Opposition (three-quarter length) on a larger scale, who puff blasts at Pitt's head. In the foreground are Fox (left) and Sheridan (right). Behind Fox is Erskine. Behind the bench stand the bulky Norfolk and the slim Bedford. On the extreme right is Tierney, wearing a top-hat, not puffing but firing his pistol point-blank at the back of Pitt's head. All look up at Pitt and all are in profile except Norfolk.  Beneath the title:
<p><br><br>'A set of Jolly fellows once together were all met
<br>And tried with all their might, effectually to crush a light,
<br>But firm as a rock - on a Bench made of oak 
<br>Stood the taper Royal Rush light. 
<br>They puff'd at the Rush light! 
<br>The steady Royal Rush light! 
<br>But all would not do, 
<br>To Blow out the Rush light!!'   25 June 1798
</p>
<br>Hand-coloured etching and aquatint
1798<div style="display: none;">date QS:P571,+1798-00-00T00:00:00Z/9</div>
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