Spanish Messenger (BM 1868,0808.5943)

Pitt (right) locks a huge padlock inscribed 'Dispatches' which fastens the lips of a messenger in riding-dress, holding his cap and whip; he says "Nothing shall transpire". Behind him (right) stands (?) Sir Archibald Macdonald, saying, "That's right Billy lock the fellow up again. Dam the haughty Dons proud Stomacks for not sending better News". Thurlow (left), turning his head in profile to the right, says, with a ferocious expression (? to Pitt) "Dam your Shilly shally". Behind, two men stand facing each other holding their fingers to their lips and making gestures to enforce silence. One (right) resembles Hall the Whig apothecary of Westminster. Beneath the title is etched:

'"You secret, black and Midnight Things; what is't you do?"
Shakespear' 20 June 1790

Etching with hand-colouring