The Cat's Paw (BM 1868,0808.4392)

Satire on William Pitt's return to office in 1766, suggesting that he is being manipulated by Lord Bute. An interior of a room with a blazing fire into which Bute, as a monkey with a plaid, encourages Pitt, as a cat, to reach for a chestnut (political office); the cat urinates. On the left, a group of English politicians and a bishop, beneath a "View of Chatham" with the setting sun, express their shock and dismay, but one of their number raises his arms in pleasure cries, "I'm Established" (this is presumably Lord Rockingham who supports the new ministry). On the right, a group of Scots delighted that they will obtain preferment gather around the Duke of Bedford; behind them is a "View of the Isle of Bute" with a rising sun. The chimney-piece is a crown with a thistle and white rose surrounded by a wreath of thorns.
Etching