Artist: Charles Williams. Published: S. W. Fores. The new Ministry, under the guise of ants engaged at a hiring fair, are introduced to their master George III. The King, wearing uniform, stands in profil perdu (left) inspecting the newcomers through his telescope. The chief Minister (or steward), wearing Court dress, stands in back view with his head turned in profile to the left. He should be Grenville, but resembles Hawkesbury (to whom the King first applied on Pitt's death). It is not always clear to whom his words refer. Eight are characterized, besides two heads in shadow; all are plainly dressed. The most prominent is Fox, slyly ingratiating, with Sidmouth on his right. The latter holds a medicine-bottle labelled 'Cordial Julep'. Next him is a very youthful Lord Henry Petty. Behind Fox are the tall Moira, raising his cocked hat, and the slouching Sheridan. Next the latter is Lord Grenville, and behind him (?) Bedford. On the extreme right. is Tierney. They walk forward from an arched doorway (right) inscribed 'St Steph[ens]'. The new Minister says, pointing to Fox: "That Fellow with the Black Countenance was once in your service before, but an attempt to swallow a few hundred Lacks of Rupees [the India Bill] & some other trifling faux-pas caused him to be turn'd out, he has repented since and promised to be more on his guard in future - That Gentleman on the right [Sidmouth] was once colleague with your late Steward [Pitt], but disputing about a few fishes, he left him, protested against his measures, and bids fair to be afaithfull Servant - I can recomend that Gentleman in Black [The only wearer of black in the impression described is Sidmouth.] as the most faithfull and Honest in the Fair I know him well, and only think him too Honest to keep his place long [? Bedford (in red)], - that Young Man [Petty] has never been in service before, I can say nothing about him, I did not much like his Tutor, tho he was a famous one for makeing a Peace [Lansdowne] - Theres a Fellow fit for any thing, you have not got a better Hack in your Stable, & has been lately washed from all his impurities [Sheridan] - That Keen looking Fellow there is a devilish good Servant, but a d----- bad Master, you must keep him under don't let him have the Management, he never could manage for himself [? Grenville] - That tall Man in green [Moira] I would recommend to be your Locum-tenens at your Country House in Dublin, you'll find him Honest - That Sly looking Chap there will take either side, only make it worth his while & you'll find him a hard working fellow, he has been used to the pay Table" [Tierney]. On the stone wall that forms a background are two bills: 'Petty France to be sold to the best Bidder a fine Young...' [a pun on Petty] and: 'During the Fair - The Castll [sic] spectre - To which will be added an Entertainment called The Hack.' Description from the British Museum.