“Mrs. Clarke (left) stands on one of a pair of scales which is held down by Wardle and almost rests on the ground, while three lawyers in wigs and gowns (evidently Sir W. Grant, Gibbs, and Plomer) stand on the other (right) which General Clavering tries desperately to pull down. The beam is inscribed England expects every Man to do his Duty, and is supported on a mitre (see British Museum Satires No. 11227) worn by the Duke of York, who stands on William Adam’s back, which is inscribed Rock of Adam ant. Adam, who lies prone, puffs a blast inscribed Gratuisously [sic] against Mrs. Clarke. Under his hand is an Anonymous Letter. Wardle, in civilian dress, holds out towards the Duke a paper headed [Ch]arges. Perceval, in his Chancellor of the Exchequer’s gown, leans towards the right scale, holding out two papers: 199 Majority and 82 Majority, another, 241 Majority, lies on the scale. Where this scale is attached to the beam there is a purse labelled Light Crown Pieces. The Duke wears regimentals with gorget and star, and holds a paper: the Honor of a . . . [Prince]. He holds his drawn sword across Perceval, as if protecting him. Clavering sits on the ground, straining at the ropes. He sits on a paper inscribed [G]enl Claver[ing], and has a paper: Prevaricating Evidence [see British Museum Satires No. 11247]. Beside him is a fragment of paper inscribed Sic donec. Beside the principal performers, and between Mrs. Clarke and the Duke, stands John Bull, a short fat ‘cit’, holding a large weight inscribed Vox Populi –Sterling. He says: If I dont throw in my weight, our dearest sweetest Love will get the worst of it after all. (Her scale, however, rests on the ground with Wardle’s help only.) She turns to him, saying, O Mr Bull! Pray give a pull! At her feet are Letters [see British Museum Satires No. 11228, &c.].”–British Museum online catalogue.
- Printmaker: Williams, Charles, active 1797-1830, printmaker.
- Title: They have been weighed in the balance, and are found wanting [graphic] / Flagelantes invt.
- Publication: [London] : Pubd. March 1809 by Walker, No. 7 Cornhill, [March 1809]
809.03.00.07+
Acquired November 2022
