Peachum and Lockit, William Dent, 1790

Burke and sheridan are in violent conflict: burke (left), very tall and thin, lunges forward, seizing sheridan by the throat, his fist ready to strike; sheridan (right) holds burke's cravat and has seized his wig by the queue, revealing a bald head inscribed 'tory'. Burke (peachum) says, "brother, brother we are both in the wrong"; from his pocket protrude a paper inscribed 'secrets'. From sheridan's pocket protrudes a large key inscribed (in pencil) 'prince's closet'. Behind burke (left) is a table on which is an open book inscribed 'to day argue for republicism' [sic] and 'to-morrow argue for monarchy'. This is propped up on two papers: 'almanack full moon' and 'at present fully satisfied with my conduct respecting my persecution of mr h[astings]'. Above is a picture: 'the sublime & beautiful janus'. Two burkes, back to back in profile, gesticulate violently, as if making a speech; one (left) 'speaking on english affairs', says, "hurled by providence from the throne" (an allusion to a speech of burke on the regency, 5 feb. 1789. 'parl. Hist. ', xxix. 1213. Wraxall, 'memoirs', 1884, v. 301. It roused general condemnation, cf. Bmsats 7499, 7689, 7868); the other (right), 'speaking on french affairs', says, "kings should be held sacred". Beside burke, who wears court dress, is his 'chapeau-bras', beside sheridan a plain round hat. Behind burke a piece of (?) wood inscribed 'revolution' lies on another inscribed (in pencil) 'toleration'; together they form a cross. Behind sheridan are two crossed keys, broken, and labelled 'regency disappointment'. Beneath the title is etched, 'or the fall out and make up, a scene in the beggar's opera [11. Ii], as acted, at the great theatre, by two distinguished characters. ' 15 february 1790 hand-coloured etching. Date: 1790. Dimensions: Height: 198 mm; Width: 275 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: John Gay. Collection: British Museum. Peachum and Lockit (BM J,4.13)