Sir thomas rumbold, who stands, supported by his son, holding his right hand to his forehead, vomits a shower of guineas into a large chamber-pot held by dundas, the lord advocate of scotland. The pot, which is ornamented with a thistle, is full of guineas, and stands on a three-legged stool. Dundas (right), in legal wig and gown, kneels beside it, clasping it in both arms; he is saying, "i weel tak them to lochabar and wash them in the brook". Rumbold is shackled by two chains, one attached to each ankle, and at the other end to a large weight or clog inscribed "sureties". Captain rumbold, who wears regimentals with a gorget, holds his father's left hand and arm, saying "ah! these dam'd scotch pills mil kill poor dad". In the distance (left) a military officer with a long queue, probably captain rumbold, is galloping off (right to left) mounted on an elephant and seated on the back of a large double sack which forms a saddle and is inscribed "roupees". He is saying "i am off - i know good manners". An indian seated behind him on the back of the elephant holds a tall umbrella over his master's head; he says, "me and massa leave england he! he! he!"
behind the elephant a few palm-trees give an oriental touch to the landscape, which is otherwise of english character. 21 january 1783
hand-coloured etching. Date: 1783. Dimensions: Height: 190 mm; Width: 215 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville. Collection: British Museum. The nabob rumbled or a lord advocates amusement. (BM J,2.127)
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