State cooks, or the downfall of the fish kettle (BM 1868,0808.4785)

George III (left) and Lord North (right) stand disconsolately in a kitchen looking at a large open pan which has fallen to the floor from a hook over the fire; the fish, inscribed with the names of American colonies, have fallen out. There are thirteen, but "New England" is one and they include "Quebec", "Nova Scotia", "E. Florida", and "W. Florida". The king and North are wearing aprons, and the insignia of the Garter; their facial resemblance is stressed. From North's coat-pocket hangs a paper inscribed "Plan of Taxes 1782". The king is saying "O Boreas, the Loss of these Fish will ruin us for ever". North answers, "My Honored Liege never Fret. Minden [Lord George Germain, Secretary of State for the Colonies] & I will cook 'em yet". On the wall behind North is a large "Plan of North America" in which "York Town" is conspicuous. 10 December 1781
Etching