Ansell executed an engraving (February 10, 1803) of the ‘Rival Gardeners,’ which represents Napoleon, and George III., tending their respective gardens, which are divided by the Channel. Napoleon has a number of plants labelled ‘Military poppies,’ which flourish well; but he is greatly concerned about his principal flower, which has a very drooping head and flagging leaves. He cannot understand it. ‘Why, I don’t know what is the reason; my Poppies flourish charmingly; but this Corona Imperialis is rather a delicate kind of a plant, and requires great judgment in rearing.’ His rival, however, points with pride to the sturdy British Oak, whose vigour is matchless, and is in full bloom, with a royal crown. He replies, ‘No, No, Brother Gardener, though only a ditch parts our grounds, yet this is the spot for true Gardening; here the Corona Britanica and ye Heart of Oak will flourish to the end of the world.’
On March 8, the king sent a message to Parliament, respecting military preparations in the ports of France and Holland, and acquaints the House of Commons that ‘he has judged it expedient to adopt additional measures of precaution for the security of his dominions;’ and this gives us the key to the next caricature—
‘Physical Aid, or, Britannia recover’d from a Trance, also the Patriotic Courage of Merry Andrew, and a peep thro’ the Fog,’ was published by Gillray, March 14, 1803, and is a very amusing picture. Bonaparte, and his flotilla, are crossing the Channel, and Sheridan, with fool’s cap and bell, a tattered harlequin suit, a lathen sword, ‘Dramatic Loyalty,’ a shield with a Medusa’s head, the snaky hair of which is labelled ‘Envy, abuse, bouncing, puffing, detraction, stolen jests, malevolence, and stale wit,’ and a paper, in his sash, endorsed ‘Ways and means to get a living,’ calls out, ‘Let ’em come! dam’me!!! Where are the French Buggabos? single-handed I’d beat forty of ’em!!! dam’me I’d pay ’em like Renter’s shares, sconce off their half-crowns!!! mulct them out of their benefits, and come ye Drury Lane Slang over ’em.’
‘A THEATRICAL HERO.’
Britannia, suddenly aroused from her trance, screams out, ‘Doctors and ministers of disgrace defend me,’ and attempts to rise. Addington is attempting to recover her, by holding a bottle of gunpowder to her nose, saying ‘Do not be alarm’d, my dear Lady! The Buggabos (the Honest Gentlemen, I mean) are avowedly directed to Colonial service, they can have nothing to do Here, my lady—nothing to do with US! do take a sniff or two to raise your Spirits, and try to stand, if it is only upon one leg.’ Lord Hawkesbury is presenting, in a feeble manner, to Britannia, her spear—with broken point, and her shield, which is sadly cracked, and bleats forth, ‘Yes, my lady, you must try to stand up, or we shall never be able to march to Paris.’ Fox, who is wilfully screening his face with his hat, exclaims, ‘Dear me—what can be the reason of the old lady being awaked in such a fright? I declare I can’t see anything of the Buggabos!’ On the ground lies the treaty of peace torn.
On March 13, Napoleon behaved in a very rude, and intemperate, manner to Lord Whitworth respecting the non-evacuation of Malta—which scene is thus versified:—
Our hero now, with great chagrin,
Begg’d of Lord Whitworth to call in.
Agreeably to his request,
Th’ Ambassador became his guest,
And in the Cab’net of the Thuilleries,
Napoleon play’d off all his fooleries.
‘What is the cause,’ he cried, ‘of this?
How comes it England acts amiss?
I swear that every provocation,
Daily augments my indignation;
Why are these libels to annoy me,
Pensioned assassins to destroy me?
Why Malta’s non-evacuation,
And Alexandria, by your nation?
You’d fain keep Malta—I believe you,
But part of France I’d rather give you.
Why all these provocations? why o’ late,
The Amiens treaty dare to violate?’
Nap ask’d so many questions now,
That not an answer he’d allow.
Lord Whitworth moved his lips, but then
Our hero wagged his tongue again.
It seems Lord Whitworth wish’d to say,
France for infringements led the way;
But when that she was pleased to stop,
And all her base aggressions drop,
The treaty England would fulfil,
For that, indeed, was England’s will.
In spite of Nap’s vociferation,
His Lordship made this observation:
‘My sovereign’s actions ne’er have been
Insidious, treacherous, or mean,
Because it is the king’s desire
More to preserve than to acquire.’