Fitzherbert, Maria Anne, 1756-1837; George IV, King of Great Britain, 1762-1830
There is another, which, although not dated, is evidently of the same
period, called 'The Brighton Stud,' in which is seen a groom leading
three donkeys--George Hanger, Fox, and Sheridan. The Prince rides
another donkey (Mrs. Fitzherbert), and Lord Derby (as another) looks
on. This evidently refers to the sale of the Prince's stud, which
realized somewhat over £7,000. Mrs. Fitzherbert went to Brighton
immediately after the Prince.
There is a very amusing satirical print dated August 23, 1786, the best
part of which is the verse attached. It is called 'The Jovial Crew, or
Merry Beggars. A Comic Opera, as performed at Brighton by the Carleton
Company.' The Prince and Mrs. Fitzherbert occupy the centre of the
picture. The Prince has a hat full of money, '£7,586. By sale of the
Stud,' and Mrs. Fitzherbert carries a child on her back. The other
beggars, who are mostly on crutches, are on either side.
'1ST BEGGAR, } I once was a poet at London,
MR. S----. } I kept my heart still full of glee;
(_Sheridan._) There's no man can say that I'm undone,
For begging's no new trade to me.
'2ND BEGGAR, } In London I once shone with eclat,
THE ----. } A Stud and brave Household could boast;
(_Prince of Wales._) Give me a brisk wench in clean straw,
And I value not who rules the roast.
'3RD BEGGAR, } A widow I was, buxom and bold,
MRS. F----. } So clos'd with a Royal attack;
(_Fitzherbert._) Tho' 'tis said the marriage won't hold,
But, ecod, I'll stick to his back.
'4TH BEGGAR, } Here comes a patriot polite, Sir,
MR. F----. } Who flatter'd the K---- to his face;
(_Fox._) Now, railing is all his delight, Sir,
Because he's turn'd out of his place.
'5TH BEGGAR, } I was a Jesuitical preacher,
MR. B----. } I turn'd up my eyes when I pray'd;
(_Burke._) But my hearers half starved their teacher,
For they believ'd not a word that I said.
'6TH BEGGAR, } I still am a merry song maker,
CAP. M----. } My heart never yet felt a qualm;
(_Morris._) Tho' poor, I can fiddle and caper,
And sing any tune but a psalm.
'7TH BEGGAR, } Make room for a soldier in buff,
COL. H----. } Who valiantly strutted about;
(_Hanger._) And, if the Peace should be breaking off,
Why, then he'll, most wisely, sell out.
'8TH BEGGAR, } De Beggar vos I in Germany,
MR. W----. } But alms vos here better agree;
(_Weltje._) For, by begging in coot company,
Begging vos de making of me.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account