The Wise Men of Gotham and their Goose, 1776Pub. 16th Feb 1776 by W. Humphrey Gerrard, Street Soho
Library of Congress (Civil War), Print Collection
This scene satirizes the North ministry's treatment of the American colonies.
At least nine ministers, some in elaborate wigs - one seated, the rest standing - surround a covered table upon which is stretched a fat goose. Lord Bute (r.) in highland dress raises his sword to strike off the goose's head. Behind them, another grinning minister, or possibly a servant, hoists a basket full of golden eggs, and on the floor, a torn potato sack, labelled "TAX PO." spills out more eggs. In the foreground, a dog hoists its leg to urinate on the map of North America. On the back wall, an elaborate frame topped by the crown holds the painting of the sleeping British lion. The image is unique among the mezzotints for its text in the two upper corners :
At least nine ministers, some in elaborate wigs - one seated, the rest standing - surround a covered table upon which is stretched a fat goose. Lord Bute (r.) in highland dress raises his sword to strike off the goose's head. Behind them, another grinning minister, or possibly a servant, hoists a basket full of golden eggs, and on the floor, a torn potato sack, labelled "TAX PO." spills out more eggs. In the foreground, a dog hoists its leg to urinate on the map of North America. On the back wall, an elaborate frame topped by the crown holds the painting of the sleeping British lion. The image is unique among the mezzotints for its text in the two upper corners :
In Gotham once the Story goes
A lot of Wise-acres arose
Skill'd in the great Politic Wheel
Could pound a Magpie, drown an Eel,
With many Things of worthy Note
At present much too long to quote,
Their district was both far and wide
Which not a little swelld their Pride
But above all that they possess'd
Was a fine Goose, by all confess'd,
A Rara Avis to behold
Who laid each Day an Egg of Gold
This made them grow immensely rich
Gave them an avaritious Itch,
The Case belongs to many more
They not contented with their Store
Would Methods vague and strange pursue
To make the Harmless Bird lay Two,
This Glorious purpose to obtain
About her Neck they put a Chain,
And more their Folly to compleat
They Stampt upon her Wings and Feet,
But this had no Effect at all,
Yet made her struggle, flutter, squall,
And do what every Goose would do
That had her Liberty in view,
When one of more distinguis'd Note
Cry'd D__n her, let us Cut her Throat,
They did, but not an Egg was found
But Blood come pouring from ye Wound.
A lot of Wise-acres arose
Skill'd in the great Politic Wheel
Could pound a Magpie, drown an Eel,
With many Things of worthy Note
At present much too long to quote,
Their district was both far and wide
Which not a little swelld their Pride
But above all that they possess'd
Was a fine Goose, by all confess'd,
A Rara Avis to behold
Who laid each Day an Egg of Gold
This made them grow immensely rich
Gave them an avaritious Itch,
The Case belongs to many more
They not contented with their Store
Would Methods vague and strange pursue
To make the Harmless Bird lay Two,
This Glorious purpose to obtain
About her Neck they put a Chain,
And more their Folly to compleat
They Stampt upon her Wings and Feet,
But this had no Effect at all,
Yet made her struggle, flutter, squall,
And do what every Goose would do
That had her Liberty in view,
When one of more distinguis'd Note
Cry'd D__n her, let us Cut her Throat,
They did, but not an Egg was found
But Blood come pouring from ye Wound.
From here.
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