Rowlandson caricatures the birth of the King of Rome (April 9, 1811) in ‘Boney the Second, or the little Babboon created to devour French Monkies.’ The young Napoleon, naked, with the exception of a cocked hat, but with the cloven hoofs, and tail, of a devil, is being presented on a cushion to his father by a very buxom nurse. The cushion rests on a cradle, on which is inscribed ‘Devil’s Darling.’ Napoleon is looking after the nursery arrangements, and is cooking a caudle of ‘French blood,’ which is to be drunk out of a ‘Bitter Cup.’ He turns his face towards his little son, and exclaims: ‘Rejoice O ye Frenchmen, the Fruits of my Labour has produced a little image of myself. I shall, for the love I owe to your country, instill in my Noble Offspring the same principles of Lying, Thieving, Treachery, Letchery, Murder, and all other foul deeds for which I am now worshipped and adored.’ The Pope is on his knees pronouncing a benediction, which, however, is of rather doubtful character. The Owl shrieked at thy Birth, an evil Sight,[22] The Night Crow cry’d foreboding luckless time, Dogs howl’d, and hideous Tempests shook down Trees, The Raven rook’d her on the Chimney Top, And Chattering Pies in dismal discord sung. Napoleon was very fond of his little boy, and the caricaturist represents him in the nursery, thus-- [Illustration] But in his babe he found relief, This was a cure for all his grief, For his delightful dulcet squall Wou’d not allow a tear to fall. What wondrous splendor was devised When the dear Infant was baptized; For Emperors, Kings, Queens, and Dukes Assembled with their smiling looks, Bestowing their congratulations, And making curious observations. With curiosity they eyed The King of Rome--the father’s pride, And some old gossips cried ‘Oh la! How he resembles his papa.’