print;
satirical print
- Museum number
- 1868,0808.4895
- Title
- Object: Labour in vain or let them tug and be da-nd
- Description
-
England, on one side of a channel of water, is being tugged at by her four enemies, who are pulling at ropes attached by grappling-hooks to the ground on the English side of the water. England (left) is represented by Neptune, the British lion, Britannia, and a sailor. The sailor (left), in short jacket and striped trousers, stands with his left hand on Britannia's shoulder, saying with a grin, "avast heaving". Britannia is seated with her shield and spear; she smiles, saying, "ha ha ha". Neptune with his trident, seated on a culvert from which water is gushing, smiles and points derisively across the water at the efforts of England's enemies. Between him and Britannia sits the British lion, also grinning. This piece of land, jutting into the sea is inscribed "England". England's enemies (right) lean backwards hauling at taut ropes, all, except France, open-mouthed as if singing a chanty. In the foreground is Holland, a stout plainly-dressed Dutchman. Next is France, a lean fop, his knees bent, holding a rope. Spain, taller and stouter, stands behind him holding him round the waist and shouting. Next is America, a scantily draped woman, with a feather head-dress and sandals holding a tomahawk as well as her rope. In the background is the sea.
Beneath the design is engraved:
"Four Foes to old England have Wickedly Join'd
To run with old England Away
Old Neptune declares it is not to his mind
And Brittania cries Stay you fools Stay
You may tug, & may tug, & strive all that you can
And put your selves into great pain
While Freedom & Honour is fixt on our Plan
You will find it all Labour in Vain." 27 November 1782
Etching
- Production date
- 1782
- Dimensions
-
Height: 229 millimetres
-
Width: 338 millimetres
- $Inscriptions
-
- Curator's comments
- (Description and comment from M.Dorothy George, 'Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires in the British Museum', V, 1935)
See also BMSat 6051. For the naval successes of 1782 see BMSat 5991, 6034-8, &c.
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 1868
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Registration number
- 1868,0808.4895
