The American rattlesnake presenting Monsieur his ally a dish of frogs (BM 1868,0808.4889 2)

A large snake representing America, its head erect, addresses France (right), a man standing in profile to the left, dressed as French petit-maître with high toupet-wig, black bag and solitaire, laced suit, sword and chapeau-bras. Between the two stands a circular basket full of frogs; behind the snake (left) is a small pond in which frogs are swimming, inscribed, "A Fish pond for Frenchmen". The snake is saying,

"Monsieur be pleas'd to accept the frogs

I just have killed them in the Bogs."

Monsieur answers, holding out his right hand,

"I give you thanks my good Ally,

Some will make Soup the rest a Fry."

Beneath the design is engraved:

"O Britons be wise

And part these Allies,

Or drive them both into the Bogs;

I think it is fit

They both should submit

To Old England, or live upon Frogs."

N.B. The Rattlesnake is a Character chosen by America." 8 November 1782

Etching

satirical print great britain british museum british art satirical prints in the british museum high resolution

1782

British Museum

https://www.britishmuseum.org/

public domain