twelve inhabitants of Moscow. 5. For innumerable robberies committed
on all nations in Christendom and elsewhere. 6. For bigamy; and lastly
for returning from transportation and setting the world in an uproar.'
The inflexible judge is hurling forth his condemnation: 'You, Nap
Bonaparte, being found guilty of all these crimes, it is fallen to my
lot to pronounce sentence of death on you. You are to be hung by the
neck for one hour till you are _dead, dead, dead_, and your body to
be chained to a millstone and sunk in the sea at Torbay.' The fallen
Emperor is naturally much moved at this final judgment, and he is
interceding for a respite: 'Oh, cruel Blucher! oh, cruel Wellington!
it is you that have brought me to this end. Oh, magnanimous Emperors,
Kings, and Princes, intercede for me and spare my life, and give me
time to atone for all my sins. My son, Napoleon the Second, will reward
you for mercy shown me!'
_November, 1815._ _Transparency Exhibited at R. Ackermann's, in the
Strand, on November 27, 1815, the day on which the General Peace was
celebrated in London._--As all England was exerting itself to display
its loyalty and the universal delight occasioned by the conclusion
of the Continental wars, Rowlandson contributed a characteristic
cartoon, which appeared, like its predecessors, outside the Repository
of Arts, allegorically commemorating the downfall of 'Boney' and the
second restoration of the legitimate reigning house. The design of
this transparency was arranged in the form of a monument, capped by a
throne; at the base is a trophy; the Prince of Wales's plume is waving
above two gilt tablets, inscribed with the names of the two victorious
generals, Wellington and Blucher, and surrounded by pieces of
dismounted artillery and groups of standards, with the Union Jack and
the Russian and Prussian flags in front. Above this group is a base,
inscribed, 'Peace throughout Europe,' with a tablet, '_Charlemagne,
Nassau, Capet, Bourbon_,' and two wreaths, dedicated to '_Humanity_'
and '_Justice_.' Upon this platform a canopy is raised aloft, festooned
above the throne of St. Louis, with the restored crown; a serpent,
emblematic of eternity, and the three doves; the front of the seat is
supported by bundles of fasces, with double axes, and classic wreaths
and lyres. A flight of steps mounts up to the throne on either side.
On the right is Wellington, supporting Louis XVIII., restored to his
rights; his train are following the ascent of their sovereign, and the
figure of _Justice_ is floating on the clouds above the monarch's head.
_Fame_ is blowing her trumpet on the other side; while Bonaparte and
his baffled supporters are effecting a rapid descent by the left-hand
staircase; Blucher, standing on the top step, is making their defeat
secure by a discharge from his huge blunderbuss. Bodies of the Allied
troops are drawn up at the base; on the right a group of Cossacks, with
Prussian and English cavalry; on the left is a gathering of the various
foot-soldiers. A sturdy Highlander is putting the finishing stroke to
a discomfited plotting Bonapartist with his bayonet, and summarily
stamping out Imperialist intriguers.
_July 14, 1815._ _Easter Monday, or the Cockney Hunt._--Designed,
etched, and published by T. Rowlandson, 1 James Street, Adelphi. In
clearing a gate, after the hounds, a little antiquated sportsman has
missed his seat and is going over his horse's ears; behind him is a
dashing Diana, who is spurring her horse over the palings of a park in
gallant style.
_November 16, 1815._ _My Ass._ Designed and etched by T. Rowlandson.
Written by Mr. J. Tedir. Published by I. Sidebotham, 96 Strand.--The
adventures of a hawker of vegetables and her faithful donkey, depicted
in a series of six cuts, illustrating the invaluable qualities of the
quadruped. The composition commences thus:--
Who followed me through street and lane,
In spite of hurricane and rain;
While I my daily bread did gain?
My Ass.
The other verses being in the same strain.