The first, dated 1740, represents Sir Robert Walpole, then in the plenitude of his power. He stands on two woolpacks. Between his legs is seen the British fleet lying inactive. He is flanked by Marines on the left crying “Let us fight,” and sailors with drawn swords on the right declaring their readiness to die “Pro Patriâ.” The plate teems with allusions to his reluctance to go to war, by which he was subjecting his country to the insults and aggressions of Spain and France.
Twenty-two years later the plate was resurrected and altered to its second state, in which it is made to represent Lord Bute. The lower part of the plate, bearing the quotation from Shakespeare and the “Description,” has been now cut away, and “Scotch” inserted in the place of “English” in the title. The chief alterations are the reduction of the full-bottomed wig and the addition of a wig-tie of black ribbon, the addition {237} of a star on the breast, and a new and abusive inscription on the right-hand document. In this case the adapter has shown but little ingenuity.
Queen Anne presiding over the House of Lords. (The plate in its first state)
Queen Anne presiding over the House of Lords. (The plate in its first state)
The plate in its second state, now representing George I. presiding over the House of Lords
The plate in its second state, now representing George I. presiding over the House of Lords