The good-natured national prototype is keeping up a show of affliction under the approaching bereavement; but, although he is concealing his face with his handkerchief, a smile lurks round the corner of his mouth as he sobs out somewhat equivocally in reply: 'O dunna, dunna go! it will break my heart to part with you--you be such a desperate moral character!'
_March 24, 1809._ _The Prodigal Son's Resignation._--The stout sinner is humbling himself before the throne. A portion of the King's figure is concealed; the Duke of York has laid his _Resignation_, together with his coat, sword, and cocked-hat, at the paternal feet, and, kneeling in his denuded state, he is quoting the words of the parable of the Prodigal Son: 'Father, I have sinned before thee, and I am no longer worthy to be called thy son.' The monarch, who seems deeply affected by the spectacle of his favourite son's abasement, is returning: 'Very naughty boy! very naughty boy indeed! However, I forgive you; but don't do so any more.'
_March 29, 1809._ _Mrs. Clarke's Last Effort._ Published by T. Tegg.--The delicate investigation being concluded, the fair mover, Mrs. Clarke, was, as the satirists suggested, left without occupation; and Rowlandson has accordingly represented that she might employ her talents to advantage in opening an inn a little way out of town; she is pictured as the landlady of _Clarke & Co's Original Tavern, from the York Hotel, London_. Members of the Army, the Church, a Quaker, and others are hurrying up to extend their patronage to the new establishment. Mrs. Clarke, bent on hospitable intents, is encouraging her old friends to return and rally round: 'Come forward, gentlemen; you'll all be welcome. Every little helps':--
Your rhino rattle--come-- Men and cattle--come-- All to Mrs. Clarke O Of trouble and monies I'll ease you, my Honies, And leave you in the dark O.
_March 30, 1809._ _The York Dilly, or the Triumph of Innocence._ Published by T. Tegg.--A coach full of learned gentlemen, driven by a Counsel in his robes, is passing through an enthusiastic crowd; the charioteer is declaring: 'I thought we should bring him through.' The Duke of York is in the boot, apparently, 'blowing his own trumpet;' a placard, wreathed in laurel, is on the roof of the carriage, announcing, _Acquitted_. _Glorious majority of 82._