Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from George Cruikshank's Table-Book
The power of the gentler sex naturally led me to a re?ection on the manner in which it is used, and on the ministers through whom their sovereignty is exercised. Cupid is their undoubted premier; who, indeed, performs his office in a manner that renders their sway universal and absolute. What conqueror can boast of a victory so complete as the triumph of Cupid?
The lamplighter ascending his ladder on his evening mission of enlightenment, is seized by the grasp of Cupid; and even in the act of igniting the gas he feels in his own breast a consuming ?ame. On the mimic stage, as well as in the real drama of life, is Cupid triumphant. It is love that prompts Harlequin to those ?ying leaps through shop fronts, and inspires him with those twirls of the head which he indulges in, to attract the favourable regards of Columbine. It is nothing but a contest for the hand of that fair Christmas creature of loveliness and leno, which keeps the Clown and Pantaloon in a state of constant antagonism to Harlequin. It is Cupid who fetters the baker and enchains the soldier, making them both neglectful 'of themorning roll. The old sailor, who has laid one leg on the altar of his country, and receives in return from her a helping hand; the liveried lackey, proud of the ignoble plush and servile shoulder-knot; the old clothesman, with a redundancy of hats, yet going forth in quest of more, - each, and all, of these individuals will press forward to swell the train of Cupid's captives. Love knocks the nabob from the top of his elephant, jerks the costermonger from his cart, and throws the steam-boat captain from his paddle-box, subjecting him to one fatal turn-ahead.
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