Sublime and Beautiful Reflections on the French Revolution, or the Man in the Moon at Large (BM J,4.45)

A design in a circle, the lower arc of which is filled by a crescent moon lying on its back. The crescent supports a rectangular table behind which sits Burke, pen in hand, his arms outstretched, a broken chain hanging from each wrist. He says, "By Vision Celestial and Fury Infernal I'll give them a Crown Touch". Before him are an ink-pot and an open 'Pam-phlet'. On the cloth, inscribed 'French Revolution', which covers the table is a figure with the staff and cap of Liberty in her right hand, a royal crown in her left; she tramples on a partly nude man who holds a broken chain and emblems of torture. In each corner, outside the circle, is an inscription expressing Burke's (changing) principles:
'NEW MOON. The People have no Right to new form a Constitution - they should look up with awe to Kings and with affection to Parliament &c.
FIRST QUARTER The influence of the Crown ought to be diminished - The Commons was designed as a controul for the People - I see no other way for the preservation of a decent attention to public Interest in the representations but the Interposition of the People itself &c
FULL MOON Hurled by Providence from the Throne [see BMSat 7627] - The Right is not in the People - Three skips of a louse &c. &c. &c. &c. &c. (Citations from Burke's speeches on the Regency Question, see BMSat 7499, &c.)
LAST QUARTER. Kings and Crowns should be held Sacred!!! Heavenly Vision - Furies of Hell - Cauldron of the Old Jewry &c. &c. &c. &c. &c.'
Beneath the crescent is etched: 'N.B. The Man, as well as the Moon may be expected to continue his changes till fixt by a Total Eclipse'. Beneath the title is etched, but partly obliterated: Reason to Madness is near allied [cf. BMSat 7529]. 14 December 1790

Etching with hand-colouring