In June, Lord Whitworth was appointed ambassador extraordinary, and minister plenipotentiary, to the French Republic, and the state he then kept up was a striking contrast to the plainness of Republican equipages. It was different under the Empire; but then the word Citizen had not been dropped, and there was a certain affectation of simplicity. The English attracted great attention by the splendour of their equipages, and there is a caricature (nameless, December 14, 1802) of ‘Lord Whitworth’s Coachman at Paris.’ His get-up is, certainly, ‘exceeding magnifical,’ and is the wonder of the Parisians. It is almost too much for his equanimity, for he is shown as saying, ‘How the Mounseers stare at me! D--n me, if I don’t think they take me for the Ambassador.’ The effects of the peace were hardly realisable for a time, and Woodward gives us an amusing caricature of the state of the empire (December 20, 1802). It is called ‘A Peep at the Lion,’ which is supposed to be on show. Outside the Exhibition Pitt is inviting Europe, generally, to ‘Walk in Ladies and Gentlemen, and see the famous Lion. Though I have some share in the concern, I have nothing to do with showing him, I assure you--I am not his keeper; the Lion I used to show was very fierce, but this is quite quiet and peaceable.’ Inside, the Lion is shewn as lying down, but with one eye open, Napoleon patting him on the head, saying, ‘Poor fellow, poor fellow, what a beautiful Animal,--how sound he sleeps.’ But the Chancellor, Lord Eldon, warns him, ‘You had better not be too free with him Sir, In case of an accident. He is now asleep with one eye, and awake with the other.’ [Illustration] At the opening of the year 1803, although the storm clouds of war were ominously gathering, yet all seemed peace. The English enjoyed the rare treat of visiting France, and, generally, being of the better class, were well received. The year opens in a kindly spirit with ‘The first kiss these ten Years! or the meeting of Britannia and Citizen François’ (Gillray, January 1, 1803), which is a remarkably good caricature. Britannia, owing to the peace, has grown prosperous, and stout; her trident and shield are put away in a corner, and the portraits of Napoleon and George the Third repose, in loving juxtaposition, on the wall, intertwined with palm-branches. Says Citizen François (his sword and cocked hat being laid aside), ‘Madame, permettez me to pay my profound esteem to your engaging person! and to seal on your divine Lips my everlasting attachment.’ Madame Britannia replies, ‘Monsieur, you are so truly a well bred Gentleman! and tho’ you make me blush, yet you kiss so delicately, that I cannot refuse you; tho’ I was sure you would deceive me again!!!’