Patriots amusing themselves, or, Swedes practicing at a post
[London] : Pubd. April 19th 1792 by H. Humphrey, No. 18 Old Bond Street, [1792]
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Charles Fox (right) kneels in profile to the left, firing point-blank from a blunderbuss at a post which roughly suggests King George III in back view: it is surmounted by a short wig and a hunting-cap decorated with the royal arms; round a protuberance simulating posteriors a circle is drawn with a bull's-eye at which Fox is firing. He is much caricatured, with large head and short fat legs; he wears a slouch hat with the inscription 'Ca-Ira', and has a pleased and sinister smile. Behind him Joseph Priestley (left) and Richard Brinsley Sheridan (right) face each other in profile with conspiratorial smiles. Sheridan is ramming the barrel of a pistol, saying, "Well! this new Game is delightful! - O Heavens! if I could but once Pop the Post!!! then you and me, - Dear Brother P, - Would sing with glee, - Full merrily Ca-ira! Ca-ira! Ca-ira!" Priestley holds out to him two books: "on the Glory of Revolution and on the Folly of Religion & Order", saying, "Here's plenty of Wadding for to ram down the Charge with, to give it force, & to make a loud Report."
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, former owner.