Up and down or the wheel of admi-ration (administration) (BM 1868,0808.4982)

The 'Wheel' which stands in the centre is of the nature of a dredger, four oblong receptacles pivot on a bar supported by two posts an worked by a crank. It is large in proportion to the figures. The crank being turned by the Devil; he stands on the bent shoulders of George III, who is saying "I've got the Devil & all upon my Back". The Devil says, "ay never mind George'e lad we shall have a rare Crew in at last."

A group of small figures (left) stand in consultation, their identity indicated by numbers referring to notes below the design. (3), "F------x" and (2) "Nor----h" stand arm in arm, holding reins which are attached to the nose of (4) "Duke of Port------and", showing that the nominal prime minister is the nose by the two Secretaries of State. North (in back view) says, "Well Well Charley Ill help you and you shall hold me fast in my Place". Fox, who has a fox's head, answers, "But what can I do? my late tumble hath Crippled me quite & I have not got money enough to buy a pair of Crutches". (5), "Kep------ll",in naval uniform, stands watching Fox and North; while, running towards them, in profile to the right, with outstretched hand, his right hand in a sling is (6) "Bur------e", saying, "Zooks I can no longer suffer Hungary Guts & empty Purse fol de rol". Behind (left) is a ballad-singer, pregnant, and holding out a ballad in each hand, while she sings "Sing Tantarara Rogues all."

To the right of the wheel and in the distance are three minute figures, representing the late Ministry: (1), "Lord Shel------ne", his Garter ribbon very conspicuous, sits on the ground, saying, "Look what a crush a Pretty decent Tumble". A man lying prone (probably Barré) says "Im almost kil'd"; the third, sitting, who, in spite of the minute scale, resembles Lord Ashburton (Dunning), says, "its all over with us my Lord".

In the background, the front of a building is indicated by two mounted sentries and by the bills which are posted on its wall. It probably represents the Treasury. The bills are inscribed, "The Tower of Babel with Confusion of------to be seen without loss of Time or Let at a moderate rent not a mile from Westminster Hall...". On a torn placard is inscribed "Wanted 100 good recruits for a new regiment just. . . ". The third is illustrated by three figures: the devil (centre) with a pitchfork, a skeleton (right), and Fame (left) blowing her trumpet; beneath in large letters is inscribed "Wonders Wonders Wonders ... Astonish ... World". This last is taken from the advertisements of the quack Katerfelto, cf. BMSat 6162. 17 April 1783

Etching