Quarrel & Reconciliation, William Dent, 1788

A scene in the house of commons. Two men stand on the floor of the house shaking hands: a tall stout man (the large and uncouth sir james johnstone, m. P. For dumfries) (right), holding his hat and a thick walking-stick, takes the hand of a small slim man wearing a star (lord mornington). [he is identified by e. Hawkins as johnstone, but the account of the dispute in the 'london chronicle' makes it clear that he is lord mornington, k. P. , m. P. For windsor, who was abused by johnstone, not by sumner (whose name is given to johnstone). ] the former says, frowning, "damn me if i make submission !" the latter answers, "then dem me if i fight you!" on the extreme right is the speaker in his chair holding out his hat and saying "order, order, order". Pitt (left), by the table, says, bowing politely to fox who stands opposite him, "i think some concession necessary". Fox, equally polite, answers undoubtedly. Behind (left) are the ministerial benches. Kenyon stands, saying, "o fie gentlemen, dont talk of the morning". A seated member with remarkably bushy eyebrows, holding a thick tasselled cane, says, "pray make it up, do pray". On the ground (right) is a paper: "proxy to attend during prayers for sir j------j------". Beneath the title is etched: "a whole assembly could not make up a quarrel between the lacedemonian orator, and a knight of st. Patrick, till the latter thought of an if, as, if you had said so elsewhere, then i had done so and so; and they shook hands, and swore brothers - your if is the only peace-maker - much virtue in if - parody from as you like it - see the debates of last friday - subsequent apology' after the last words is etched a wine-bottle. 14 may 1788 etching. Date: 1788. Dimensions: Height: 274 mm; Width: 197 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Charles Wolfran Cornwall. Collection: British Museum. Quarrel & Reconciliation (BM 1868,0808.5728)