The last scene of the triumph of reform o the fall of the boro'mongers (BM 1868,0808.9444 1)

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The last scene of the triumph of reform o the fall of the boro'mongers (BM 1868,0808.9444 1)

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Below the title: 'A Serio Comic Melo Dramatic Operatic Pantomimic Domestic Pathetic Mock Heroic Caustic Mystic Fantastic Heartsick Diabolic Play in Six Acts as Perform'd before the 3 Estates at the National Theatre St Stephens in the Year 1832. with the Greatest Applause'. A view of the stage (right) with pit and orchestra in the left foreground, the royal box on the stage with a box above it, adjoining the gallery, below which is a large grand tier-box. The audience applaud and laugh, the Royal box excepted; the orchestra and some of the audience have comic noses.
On the front of the stage the boroughmongers are in extremis. Three lie on the boards: Wellington, rigid, with Peel kneeling over him with a rat-trap (see BM Satires No. 15734) on his back; Peel: 'As Arthur lived so he Died'. Next lies (?) Aberdeen, the third cannot be identified. Lyndhurst, in wig and gown, kneels, holding a huge goblet of Poison; he exclaims with a dramatic gesture, 'Ye Gods above Avenge our Cause'. Cumberland, in uniform, prepares to stab himself, saying, 'Die All die nobly'. Eldon falls, supported by ( ?) Ellenborough and Wetherell; he exclaims 'Justice is satisfied'. A zany (the Duke of Gloucester, cf. BM Satires No. 16737), wearing a fool's cap, asks 'What's it all about'. These performers are watched by top-hatted Reformers standing at attention with banners. Behind them is a castle with round towers on which stand more Reformers with spears and banners. The banners are 'Reform' (the largest) topped by a cap of Liberty; 'The People'; 'Liberty of the Press'; 'The Unions' [see BM Satires No. 16815, &c]; 'Our King & Country'; 'Civil & Religious Liberty'. The audience shout Bravo and clap; from the back of the gallery are shouts of 'Throw em Over', 'Turn them Tories out'. In the Royal Box the King sits stiffly, the Queen puts her fan to her face. Two courtiers with wands stand behind. Aug 1832

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Date

1832
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Source

British Museum
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public domain

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