Dr. _Trusler_, in his explanation of this plate, is of opinion, that some incestuous commerce among the performers is intimated by the names of _Oedipus_ and _Jocasta_ appearing above the heads of two figures among the theatrical lumber at the top of the barn. But surely there is no cause for so gross a supposition. Painted prodigies of this description were necessary to the performance of _Lee's Oedipus_. See Act II. where the following stage direction occurs; "The cloud draws, that veiled the heads of the figures in the sky, and shews them crowned, with the names of _Oedipus_ and _Jocasta_ written above, in great characters of gold." The magazine of dragons, clouds, scenes, flags, &c. or the woman half naked, was sufficient to attract the notice of the rustick peeping through the thatch he might be employed to repair. Neither is the position of the figures at all favourable to the Doctor's conceit. Incest was also too shocking an idea to have intruded itself among the comic circumstances that form the present representation. When this plate was retouched a second time, a variety of little changes were made in it. In the two earliest impressions the actress who personates _Flora_, is greasing her hair with a tallow candle, and preparing to powder herself, after her cap, feathers, &c. were put on. This solecism in the regular course of dress is removed in the third copy, the cap and ornaments being there omitted. The coiffure of the female who holds the cat, is also lowered; and whereas at first we could read in the play-bill depending from the truckle-bed, that the part of _Jupiter_ was to be performed by Mr. _Bilk-village_, an additional shade in the modern copy renders this part of the inscription illegible. Several holes likewise in the thatch of the barn are filled up; and the whole plate has lost somewhat of its clearness. The same censure is due to the reparations of the _Harlot's_ and _Rake's Progresses_. Had _Hogarth_ lived, he would also have gradually destroyed much of that history of dress, &c. for which his designs have been justly praised by Mr. _Walpole_. In the first and last scenes of the _Rake's Progress_, he began to adorn the heads of his females in the fashion prevalent at the time he retraced the plates. In short, the collector, who contents himself with the later impressions of his work, will not consult our artist's reputation. Those who wish to be acquainted with the whole extent of his powers, should assemble the first copies, together with all the varieties of his capital works. [1] I know not why this print should have received its title only from its female agents. Not to dwell on the _Jupiter_ pointing with _Cupid's_ bow to a pair of stockings, whoever will examine the linen[A] of the weeping figure receiving a dram-glass from the _Syren_, and look for the object that attracts her regard, may discover an indication that the other sex has also a representative in this theatrical parliament.