Paving the way for a royal divorce [graphic].

"The Regent at the head of a table (left) on which are decanters and dessert, holds a consultation with five advisers. He sits on a dais, with his right leg thrown over an arm of his chair; the right arm over the back, spilling a glass of wine. He says jocosely: "Well my boys, I think now we shall succeed D--d fine evidence from the states of Barbary (if that cursed Hedgehog dont get hold of it; the very man that says he acted as Accoucheur I have got over every thing as clear as the Sun at noon day, I knew what fellows those Turks were, only once get her over there & the thing was accomplished,--now for a divorce as soon as possible, I have a tit bit in my eye, & if I dont yet get a son, say that I am not a chip of the old Block!!" At his right sits Castlereagh, with the Prince's feathers and motto on the back of his chair. He turns his head in profile, saying, "I'm an unmatched negociator [see British Museum Satires No. 12501] and I'll enter into a treaty with the House of commons to secure your suit." In his pocket is a paper: 'Negociat . . with the'. Lord Eldon faces Castlereagh; he wears his Chancellor's wig and gown; the Purse of the Great Seal hangs on the wall behind him. He says: "I'll stick to your highness through thick and thin or never call me Old Bags again as long as I live!!" At the foot of the table sits Ellenborough, in wig and gown, towards whom the other two members of the Cabinet turn in alarm. Liverpool (a poor portrait) sitting opposite Vansittart, says: "I have my doubts and qualms of conscience your highness what say you, Van?" Vansittart, in his Chancellor of the Exchequer's gown: "Oh my Lord I have some strange touches of feeling on the subject!" He sits on a sack inscribed 'Budget'; from a rent in it projects a paper: 'to . . . 6.000000'. Ellenborough shakes his fist at Vansittart, rising from his chair which overturns: "Dont put me in a passion with your qualms and your touches, they are all "false, false as Hell" I'll blow you all to the D--l if you dont stick to your Master manfully!!" On the floor beside him lie three large volumes, 'Law of Divorce [Vol. I]. Vol III, Vol II.' Behind the Regent hangs a portrait with the feet only showing: '[Hen]ry VIII'. Beside him are a full wine-cooler, with empty bottles lying by it, and an open book: 'The Secret Memoirs of a Prince By Humphry Hedgehog Esqr 1810' [or 1816]."--British Museum online catalogue