The English Surprise (J.-B. M. Louvion, 1795)To the Decent People of the Entire Country.This Engravi
The English Surprise (J.-B. M. Louvion, 1795)
To the Decent People of the Entire Country.
This Engraving represents France in the form of an Ostrich, which has had the misfortune in its first egg-laying of producing only monsters such as Marrat [sic], Carrier, Roberspierre [sic], J. Le Bon &c. &c. &c… that the return of Justice of the ninth Thermidor made disappear in a way ; everything makes us hope that it will continue to deliver us from this kind of plague. The Ostrich, more fortunate in its second egg-laying, only presents friends of peace, of universal happiness and of the tranquillity of nations. An Englishman, whose stoutness is a sign of well-nourished existence, occupied with eating, is struck by this favourable change and shows his surprise about this.
JUSTICEsaysMonsters, you are annihilated forever!
THE OSTRICH – May I rectify my faults today.
THE FRENCHMAN – Europe! these are our only wishes.
THE ENGLISHMAN – Goddem! [sic] Go on…
