John Bull- swearing to his property!! (BM 1896,1118.103)

Pitt and John Bull, a distracted yokel, face each other in profile. Pitt (left) bends forward admonishingly, giving 'The [Ho]ly Bible to John'; he says: "Mind, Sir, what you are about, you are on your Oath - If you swear falsely I'll have you indited for perjury! You have more money than you know what to do with and it is my duty every year to put you in the best way of disposing of it. None of your paltry tricks of the last year to evade this tax - Don't I know your affairs better than you do yourself". John, his knees flexing in alarm, exclaims, "Indeed. I tell you the truth Measter Billy, I have only got a few tiny Zeven shilling spangles, and zome little soft bits of One Pound peaper; I ha na indeed now." 12 December 1798
Hand-coloured etching