Social England under the Regency, Vol. 1 (of 2)Ashton, John
History
Social England under the Regency, Vol. 1 (of 2)
Ashton, John
England -- Social life and customs -- 19th century; Regency -- England
Then there was "The Royal Milling Match," published December, 1811,
in which is depicted Lord Yarmouth, who, by a paper sticking out
of his coat pocket, was "Late a pupil of the Champion of England,"
is "fibbing merrily" on the royal countenance; at the same time
exclaiming, "There is plenty of fair game, but no poaching on my
Manor. My action is quick, and _put in_ strait forward--so!" The
Regent calls out, "Help, help, I have made a _false step_, and
sprained my Ancle." A servant coming in, says to Lord Yarmouth,
"Lord, Sir, don't be so harsh, you'll sprain the gentleman's _ancle_.
By goles, this is what they call Milling indeed!" Lady Yarmouth views
the scene from behind a screen.
The most amusing one I have seen, is given in the accompanying
illustration, which is by Geo. Cruikshank, published January, 1812.
It is called "PRINCELY AGILITY, or the SPRAINED ANCLE." The doctor
at the foot of the bed (probably meant for Halford) is fomenting the
foot, which seems its normal size, and says to the attendant, "Take
that _waistcoat_ away, or we shall make the town talk." The Princess
Charlotte is examining the foot, and exclaims, "Bless me, how it's
swelled!" Lady Jersey, who is administering to the invalid prince, is
inattentive to her duties; while the Regent, with "two lovely black
eyes," is calling to Colonel McMahon, "Oh! my Ancle, Oh!--bring me
my Wig--Oh! my Ancle! Take care of my Whiskers, Mac! Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh,
o--o--o--oh, o!" Sir John Douglas is feeling his pulse, saying, "Out
a way, Mon, you are always exposing yourself." John Bull is coming in
at the door, but is pushed back by Adams, with "Indeed, Bull, 'tis
only a sprained ancle." But John Bull says, "John Bull is not to be
fobbed off so easily, Master Lawyer."
[Illustration: Princely Agility; or, the Sprained Ancle.
_G. Cruikshank._
(_Published, January, 1812, by J. Johnston._)]
George Cruikshank was not very particular as to his likenesses, as we
may see by his ideal Colonel McMahon, who was a servant worthy of his
master, to whom he was most useful.
Walcot "Pindarised" him in an Ode, "Mac the First," in which he makes
him say:
"Once a boy, in ragged dress,
Who would little _Mac_ caress?
When in the streets, starv'd and sad,
I was a _common errand lad_."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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