File:The Jovial Crew or Merry Beggars. A comic opera as performed at Brighton by the Carleton Company (BM 1868,0808.5563).jpg

English: A band of ragged and (ostensibly) crippled beggars, their identity and the verses which they sing indicated by numbers referring to inscriptions etched below the title. The central figures, '2' and '3', are the Prince of Wales (left) and Mrs. Fitzherbert (right), who face each other, each supported with a stick. The Prince holds under his arm a hat filled with guineas, with a paper inscribed 'By sale of the Stud £7586', see BMSat 6968, &c. A small cask hangs from his waist. Mrs. Fitzherbert carries an infant on her back (cf. BMSat 6954, &c). Behind her is Burke, '5', very thin and dressed as a Jesuit (cf. BMSat 6026), his hands folded in prayer. North, '9', very fat and supported on crutches, stands next; his belt is inscribed 'American War'. On the extreme right Hanger, '7', walks in profile to the left, supported on a crutch and on his bludgeon, cf. BMSat 6924. On the extreme left is Fox, '4', very hairy and ragged almost to nakedness, supported on crutches. Next is '6', Captain Morris, playing a fiddle and capering, a patch over one eye, a wooden leg projecting from his right knee, both his legs being sound and stout. Behind and between them is '1', Sheridan, in profile to the right. Next the Prince is '8', Weltje, supported on crutches. All are jovial except Burke and Hanger. The verses are in three columns:

1. Beggar, Mr S------} I once was a poet at London,
I keep my heart still full of glee;
There's no man can say that I'm undone,
For begging's no new trade to me.
Tol derol, &c--

2. Beggar, The ----} In London I once shone with eclat,
A stud and brave household could boast;
Give me a brisk wench in clean straw,
And I value not who rules the roast.
Tol derol, &c

3. Beggar, Mrs Fitz-----} A Widow I was, buxom and bold,
So clos'd with a Royal attack,
Tho' it is said the marriage wont hold;
But, ecod, I'll stick to his back.
Tol, derol, &c.

4. Beggar, Mr F-----} Here comes a patriot ['Courtier' in the original] polite, Sir,
Who flatter'd the K------to his face;
Now railing is all his delight, Sir,
Because he's turn'd out of his place,
Tol, derol, &c.

5. Beggar, Mr B------} I was a Jesuitical ['Fanatical' in the original] preacher,
I turn'd up my eyes when I pray'd;
But my hearers half-starv'd their teacher,
For they believ'd not one word that I said.
Tol derol, &c-

6. Beggar, Capt M-----} I still am a merry song maker, ['Gut-scraper' in the original]
My heart never yet felt a qualm,
Tho' poor, I can fiddle and caper,
And sing any tune but a psalm.
Tol, derol &c.

7. Beggar, Col. H-----} Make room for a soldier in buff,
Who valiantly strutted about;
And if the peace should be breaking off,
Why - then he'll most wisely sell out.
Tol, derol &c.

8. Beggar, Mr W-----} De Beggar vos I in Germany,
But alms vos here better agree;
For by begging in coot company,
Begging vos de making of me.
Tol, derol, &c.

9. Beggar, L---- N-----} Since Beggars then are happy and free,
Pray, talk no more of state axes,
For by the War you'll surely agree,
That All I've beggar'd with Taxes.
Tol, derol. &c.' 23 August 1786

Etching with hand-colouring