The BULL OVER-DOVE: or the DRIVERS in DANGER.

DateFebruary 21, 1780

Publisher John Harris

MediumBlack and white line engraving

DimensionsOH: 9 3/8" X OW: 13 5/8"; Plate H: 7 7/8" X W: 12 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-76

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "The State Drovers to madness, had drove the poor Bull,/ Their Goads and their Tethers no longer can rule,/ He Snorts Kicks and Tramples among the curst rout,/ Who fall by his Fury or Stagger about./ O! may all such Drovers thus meet with their Fate,/ Who Hamper, and Gall so, the Bull of the State./ May his Terror, thus fill them with fear, and dismay,/ While the People all Chearfully Cry out, Huzza!"
Label TextIn addition to the colonial conflicts, the domestic polocies of British leaders were bringing the country close to civil war. The satirist suggest that the English bull can and must be revived. The skillful suggestion is that the bull kick out the unpopular and destructive politicians- North, Sandwich, and Germain. A group of anti-government onlookers, just behind the bull, rejoices. However, to the right, the allies- France, America, and Spain- view this new, more positive action with alarm because renewed English vigor might result in their defeat.