Phlebotomising John Bull [graphic]

"John Bull, fat and faint, lies back in an arm-chair with a deal table before him, left foot on cushion; he is in shirt and breeches. Round him are three doctors: Wellington (left), with the over-sleeve of a surgeon, holds a bayonet with which he is about to bleed the right arm over a bucket inscribed 'Pure British'. Peel (right), more insinuatingly, proffers a large bolus. Behind John's chair stands the King, saying, 'Patience Johnny'. Wellington, who wears blue frock-coat and white trousers, looks down at the patient through spectacles; he says: 'Come, Mr Bull, you are very plethoric--it is absolutely necessary that I phlebotomise you--you have a determination of blood to the head with strong symptoms of Choler!!!' Peel: 'Come, John, you must take this anodyne pill,--it will compose you "The ulcerous parts are only peel & skin I whilst deep corruption's mining all within" Pope' [sic]. On the table are a large pill-box inscribed 'Musket Balls', and a bottle labelled 'Black Dose Bitters' which stand on a paper: 'Prescription Taxation Decline of Trade National debt Want of Free Trade &c &c &c &c'. On the boarded floor is Wellington's syringe inscribed 'Injection of Injuries'. On the wall are a pair of pistols, 'Firing Irons', and a sabretache and bayonet inscribed respectively 'Pill Box' and 'Lancet'. J. B.'s dog (right) angrily befouls a chest inscribed 'Medecines Wise remedies Property Tax'."--British Museum online catalogue