Rowlandson the Caricaturist; a Selection from His Works. Vol. 2Grego, Joseph
History
Rowlandson the Caricaturist; a Selection from His Works. Vol. 2
Grego, Joseph
English wit and humor, Pictorial; Rowlandson, Thomas, 1756-1827
_April 17, 1814._ _The Affectionate Farewell, or Kick for Kick._
Published by R. Ackermann.--Buonaparte is being driven from France;
it is clear that his presence there, after the settlement of his
abdication, was a source of embarrassment while waiting for an
opportunity to sail for his new island kingdom. The late Imperial
Chancellor is the most eager to be rid of his disgraced master; the
'minister of expediency' is menacing the flying enemy; in one hand he
holds the deed of expatriation, 'Abdication, or the last dying speech
of a murderer--who is to be delivered into the hands of the Devil
the first fair wind.' 'Tally' is attacking his ancient confederate
'Boney' with his club-foot and his crutch simultaneously: '_Va t'en
coquin._ I'll crack your crown, you pitiful vagabond;' to which the
flying exile, with his hat held in hand as a mark of respect to his new
master, is responding with humility: '_Votre très humble serviteur,
Monsieur Tally_.' A gibbet, with its noose ready, is pointing to the
'Isle of Elba.' Seen in the distance is the 'Boney' family, there
receiving the elevation which they have merited, all the members being
collectively exalted on a gallows. The victims of 'Boney's' successive
campaigns and actions without cessation, invalids whose limbs have been
lost in his wars, are rushing up as fast as their maimed condition
will permit, flourishing their crutches and unstrapping their wooden
legs, as offensive weapons wherewith to avenge their injuries, crying:
'Bone him, my tight little Tally;' while an invalid with one arm is
waiting for the flying general at the place of embarkation: 'What! let
him sneak off without a mark or a scratch? No, no, I'll darken his
daylights for him!'
_April 20, 1814._ _A Delicate Finish to a French Usurper._ Published by
J. Asperne, 60 Cornhill.
Boney, canker of our joys, now thy tyrant reign is o'er.
Fill the merry bowl, my boys, join in bacchanalian roar.
Seize the villain, plunge him in--see, the hated miscreant dies.
Mirth, and all thy train, come in; banish sorrow, tears, and sighs!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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