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British Caricature

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William Hogarth

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James Gillray

T

HUS plenty sits with pipe and liquor,
   In look and dress much like a vicar;

Whilst poverty stands ragg'd and starving,
Fat plenty gives her — not a farthing.
Not once vouchsafes to look upon her,
Lest he should lose both health and honor :
For 'tis a scandal to be sure,
That silk and lawn should look o'th' poor ;
Whose meagre faces may infect,
A body plump and intelect.
Then who would run such risques as these,
The poor and lousy for to please?
Their heads were better stuff'd at college,
With richer sense, and plumper knowledge :
And learn'd — plum-pudding presentation
Chimes sweetly with a dispensation.

   Then how can they forget the rules
They oft bring with them from the schools?
Which are so rivetted and fast,
They stick like burrs unto the last.