The Republican rattle-snake fascinating the Bedford-Squirrel. (BM 1868,0822.7139)

A large rattlesnake with the head of Fox, its tail coiled round an oak tree with rattle erect, rears itself towards a plump squirrel with the head of the Duke of Bedford, which is springing from the tree into Fox's open mouth. Fox fixes his protruding eyeballs upon the squirrel, a fang issues from his mouth. There is a landscape background. Below the title: 'The Rattle Snake is a Creature of the greatest subtilty; when it is desirous of preying upon any Animal which is in a situation above itself, it fixes its Eye upon the unsuspecting object, & by the noise of its Rattle, fascinates & confounds the unfortunate Victim, till loosing all Sense & discernment, it falls a prey into the Mouth of the horrid Monster. Pliny's Nat. Histy, Vol 365 -' 16 November 1795
Hand-coloured etching