A companion print to bmsat 6903. A young woman stands within a compass inscribed 'fear god', holding an open book inscribed 'the pleasures of imagination realized'. At her feet is an open chest full of guineas from which hang bank-notes and jewels; it is inscribed 'the reward of virtue'. A small dog stands beside her. In the background (right) is a country house, on the left farm-buildings and haystacks. The four corners are filled (as in bmsat 6903) with the disasters which beset the woman who does not 'keep within compass'. (1) a woman weeps dejectedly with cards and an empty purse on the ground at her feet. (2) a drunken woman lets an infant fall from her arms; on the wall is a torn print inscribed 'domestic happiness'. (3) a woman is being conducted to the watch-house by two watchmen, one with his lantern, the other with a rattle. (4) she beats hemp in bridewell, a man standing behind her with a whip, as in hogarth's 'harlot's progress'. The words round the circle are the same as in bmsat 6903. Beneath the circle is inscribed 'prudence produceth esteem'. Below the design four verses are engraved, the first:
'instead of cards my fair-one look,
(i beg you'll take it kind)
into some learned author's book,
and cultivate your mind. ' 1785
mezzotint with hand-colouring. Date: 1785. Dimensions: Height: 350 mm; Width: 249 mm. Medium: paper. Collection: British Museum. Keep within Compass and you shall be sure, to avoid many troubles which others endure (BM 1935,0522.3.63 1)
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