2-942-362 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Going to Open the Budget, 1796. British prime minister William Pitt, having descended from his coach, walks towards the door of the House of Commons, a small empty bag in his right hand. Documents inscribed 'Taxes' protrude from his coat-pocket. Spectators cluster to see him pass. A stout constable with a long staff, (probably a Mr Townsend), motions them back, shouting, "make way there for the Minister - Take Care of your Pockets". He wears the red waistcoat of the Bow-street runner. A citizen puts his hands in his coat-pockets, pulling them together to protect them from Pitt at whom he stares fixedly, as a young man puts his hand on his shoulder and points at his pocket. A young woman looks contemptuously at Pitt, saying, "what a bit of a thing it is". Behind Pitt a footman folds up the steps of his carriage and is about to shut the door. A dog, his collar inscribed 'Paid for', sniffs at the man and cocks its leg.