George IV dressed as Falstaff, and followed by a shambling rabble, advances towards the Queen (right) holding sword, and a round shield on which is a device of four wine-bottles and cork-screws. He stares with apprehensive defiance. She says with a dramatic gesture: "These are the Hireling Miscreants ye produce to Swear away the Life of your Neglected persecuted Queen ? for double fees they'd serve the Traitors Turn, & swear against their King—Leeches—vile Cooks for such a feast." The witnesses are seven men and a woman with patched face and damaged nose. The men are ragged and villainous; the tallest holds a stiletto, one is branded on the forehead with a gibbet. They are shepherded by a tall lean man (Cooke) holding a brief-bag, who walks behind the King; he answers: "I assure you these are the most Respectable Witnesses we could obtain." In his pocket are papers docketed 'Kangaroo Cook' and 'Million'.
Falstaff and his Ragged Crew or The Contents of the Green Bag in Propria Persona
Creator (of Artwork / Object):
William Heath; S W Fores
Date Created (of Object / Artwork):
20 July 1820
Description (Object or Artwork):
George IV dressed as Falstaff, and followed by a shambling rabble, advances towards the Queen (right) holding sword, and a round shield on which is a device of four wine-bottles and cork-screws. He stares with apprehensive defiance. She says with a dramatic gesture: "These are the Hireling Miscreants ye produce to Swear away the Life of your Neglected persecuted Queen ? for double fees they'd serve the Traitors Turn, & swear against their King—Leeches—vile Cooks for such a feast." The witnesses are seven men and a woman with patched face and damaged nose. The men are ragged and villainous; the tallest holds a stiletto, one is branded on the forehead with a gibbet. They are shepherded by a tall lean man (Cooke) holding a brief-bag, who walks behind the King; he answers: "I assure you these are the most Respectable Witnesses we could obtain." In his pocket are papers docketed 'Kangaroo Cook' and 'Million'.
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