A permanent piece/peace on a firm basis, William Dent, 1787

Pitt lies on the ground face downwards, having fallen from an overturned rectangular pedestal (right). This is inscribed 'plaster of paris', and has the inscription: 'erected in honor of a treaty of commerce and friendship between two rivals nations'. He has been overthrown by a blast inscribed 'amsterdamers gale'. His body is 'british brass'. A torn scroll hangs above his head: 'plan for paying off the national debt'; torn fragments inscribed 'peace establishment' lie on the ground. Under his left arm is a document: 'french treaty, or a long and lasting peace secured by reciprocal advantages'. A torn paper is inscribed 'system of treaties'. Beneath the title is etched: 'alas, poor billy! - i know him well britannia; a fellow of infinite vanity, of most consummate conceit; he hath sworn a thousand times to the goodness of his treaty of amity and commerce; and now, how easily a dutch squall overturns it - here hang those lips that have deceived i know not how oft. Where be your reciprocal advantages, your lasting peace, your french faith, and where your gibes that were wont to set your boys on a roar? not one now, to mock your own grining? quite chop-fallen? - now get ye to your juvenile crew, and tell them that however they strut and brag inexperience to this must come! make them laugh at that --- --- --- parody from hamlet by publico -' 12 october 1787 etching. Date: 1787. Dimensions: Height: 167 mm; Width: 245 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: William Pitt the Younger. Collection: British Museum. A permanent piece-peace on a firm basis (BM 1868,0808.5659)