THE EXCISE. 131 



by that measure, has existed as a clog on the trade till 

 this hour. Sir Robert did not, however, conquer 

 easily, and an abundance of satire, in picture and 

 prose, was levelled at him. In one plate, called The 

 Triumphant Exciseman, amid other horrors, trade 

 droops sorrowfully over a hogshead of tobacco. An- 

 other caricature exhibits the Premier drawn in his 

 chariot by a many-headed 

 dragon, one of whose mouths 

 swallows the pipe and pot of 

 the unfortunate Englishman, 

 as here represented. The 

 lieges are flying, deprived of 



everything eatable or drinkable, while one of the 

 monster's heads disgorges into Sir Robert's chariot 

 an abundant stream of gold. His ravages are thus 

 predicted : — 



" At first he'll begin ye 



With a pipe of Yirginie, 

 Then search ev'ry shop in his rambles ; 



If you force him to flee 



From the Custom-house key, 

 The monster will lodge in your shambles." 



Sir Robert's bill was violently opposed, and his 

 party endeavoured to turn the tables on their oppo- 

 nents by similar means. A ministerial squib was 

 published purporting to be " a full and true account of 

 a curious dialogue between one Mr. D'Anvers, and 

 one Mr. Cut, a great Tobacco merchant," in which it 

 was affirmed that the excise was only intended for 



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