[London] : Publish'd by I. Notice, Oxford Road, April 17, 1784.
The name in the publication line, "J. Notice", is found on some satires dating from 1784; "Dorothy George (index) suggests this is a pseudonym, and this is most probably correct. The plates all seem to be by the same distinctive hand." Cf. British Museum online catalog.
Library's copy trimmed within plate mark.
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
"Fox and Burke (half length) seen through the barred window of a brick building in which they are imprisoned. They are Hudibras and his squire as in British Museum Satires No. 6361, but in a prison instead of in the stocks. Above the barred aperture is inscribed 'Bailiffs for Middlesex' showing that it is a sponging-house for debtors. Outside stands the Duchess of Devonshire looking at them over her right shoulder. She wears a hat with a 'Fox' favour, trimmed with feathers and fox's tails as in the canvassing caricatures, but wears a plain riding-dress of masculine cut [Cf. 'Her Grace sometimes rides about in a black riding habit, which is very convenient in case she should be obliged to enter into contact with a Chimneysweeper'. A newspaper paragraph quoted in 'Westminster Election', p. 246.] instead of the usual voluminous petticoats. Her left hand rests on a tasselled cane. She is Hudibras's Lady who visited the pair in prison and released them; her words are etched beneath the design: 'O heavens! quoth she, can this be true? I do begin to fear 'tis you: Not by your individual whiskers, But by your dialect and discourse. That never spoke to man or beast In notions vulgarly exprest: But what malignant star alas! Has brought you both to this sad pass? Hudibras, canto I mo.' [i.e. Part II, canto 1]. On the brick wall of the prison bills are posted: 'Several Pouting lips to be hired by the day by Deven'; [One of the advertisements for Hood and Wray ran: 'To be hired for the day, several pair of ruby pouting lips, of the first quality, [etc. etc.].' 'Westminster Election'; Hood Ray Fox; 'Hood and Wray for ever; Leakes justly famous pills for curing the veneral ...; No Coalition No Bribery'."--British Museum online catalogue.
Peel, Robert, 1788-1850, former owner.