PROCESSION TO THE HUSTINGS AFTER A SUCCESSFUL CANVASS.
May 1, 1784. Every Man has his Hobby-horse.—The successful candidate is chaired in a novel and agreeable fashion; his noble supporter, the Duchess of Devonshire, has taken him 'pick-a-back,' and, with staff and scrip, is bearing the victor on his triumphant progress; she is pausing at the door of Mungo's Hotel, dealer in British spirits, and soliciting the hospitality of the proprietor, a black man: 'For the good of the Constitution, give me a glass of gin!'
Various bacchanalian revels are proceeding around, on the strength of Fox's triumphant return; the mob are huzzaing around two monster standards, which are topped by the cap of Liberty, and inscribed, 'Rights of the Commons. No prerogative,' 'Fox and Liberty all over the world.' An ensign is introduced, as appropriate to the occasion, significantly figuring forth a pair of executioner's axes, bound with a wreath of laurel.
May 6, 1784. Wisdom Led by Virtue and Prudence to the Temple of Fame.—This print is ascribed to Rowlandson, and in various points it offers a close resemblance to his style of execution. Wisdom in the present case is personified by the successful candidate for Westminster; the Duchess of Devonshire and Lady Duncannon, wearing Fox cockades in their head-dresses, are represented as Virtue and Prudence. The former lady is also carrying a fox's-brush; she is crying:—
Let Envy rail and Disappointment rage, Still Fox shall prove the wonder of the age!
To which Lady Duncannon is adding:—