A NINCOMPOOP, OR HEN-PECKED HUSBAND.
April 24, 1807. [A Nincompoop, or Hen-peck'd Husband.] Published by T. Tegg, Cheapside (147).—It is supposed to be the day of rest and ease, and comfortable cits are taking their summer outings to suburban resorts. A buxom city wife is sailing along with an air like a tragedy queen, fanning herself as she walks. Her better half, a miserable being reduced to abject servitude, is bearing a bundle, a shawl, a pair of pattens, and an umbrella, objects to serve in the train of his mistress's grandeur; the poor 'nincompoop' is vainly turning his eyes up Heavenwards: no miracle is vouchsafed to free him from his bondage. Other stout promenaders are bursting with indignation at the weakness of this lord of creation, while they walk in the other extreme, and leave their better halves to drag along both children and baggage in their wake. Certain tired pedestrians are enjoying the reward of their exertions, while partaking of cool pipes and tankards, at the 'Old Swan Inn, Ordinary on Sundays,' whither the parties have evidently proceeded to dine.
April 26, 1807. John Rosedale, Mariner. Exhibitor at the Hall of Greenwich Hospital. Etched and published by T. Rowlandson.—Like the companion print, Mrs. Showwell (Feb. 26), the sketch is signed with the initials J. N. Esq. The old sailor Cicerone, who has a pigtail, and wears a long square-cut coat of naval blue, with gold buttons and lace, is pointing out with a cane the mysteries of certain allegorical compositions to the gaping spectators:—
'Here is George, Prince of Denmark, and in the perspective a view of St. Paul's, London, Sir James Thornhill in the wig, &c. &c.'
May 1, 1807. The Pilgrims and the Peas. Woodward del., Rowlandson sc. Published by T. Tegg, 111 Cheapside. One of a series of headings to songs, ballads, &c., published by T. Tegg.—In the illustration to Peter Pindar's Apologue of The Pilgrims and the Peas, the disconsolate sinner, with hard peas in his shoes, is crawling along, doubled up with agony, to the shrine at Loretto, meeting halfway the joyful pilgrim, who has accomplished his penance, 'whitewashed his soul,' and returned from his journey without personal inconvenience, by the exercise of the simplest precaution, as he confesses:—
To walk a little more at ease,
I took the liberty to boil my peas!
May 3, 1807. Scenes at Brighton, or the Miseries of Human Life. Published by A. Berigo, 38 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden.
Plate 1. Beauty, Music, a few thousands, and opportunity given by card tables, often feather the adventurer and prove an easy introduction to the Miseries of Human Life.