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Books on
British Caricature

Books on
William Hogarth

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James Gillray

T

HE queerest contrast which my fancy yet
Hath sketched out, is here before you set,

The man behind, in thoughtful look and dress,
Some sage philosopher, perhaps you'll guess.
The other heads you'll say are easier known,
And two French fops, methinks, you've put them down,
But, stay, my, friend, and listen to my verse ;
These monstrous heads too, are philosophers
Mere Solomons ! — for herbs they know them all,
From sturdy oaks, to house-leek on the wall.
These living now, and that in times of old,
Seem east and west, and makes the contrast hold :
Proves other nations can turn French baboons,
Besides mad English, and the wise Scots loons:
And fashion here hath play'd her wildest pranks,
In dressing Plato, Solancler, and Banks.