Grand Exhibition at Wimbledon
on Wednesday, 25th February [1795?]
The famous Sieur Henrico Dundassio will entertain a select party with amusements and devotions suited to the day.
First, a grand eating match by Messrs Hawkesbury and Spencer which will prove (beyond all doubt) the probability of a famine.
Secondly, a bottle oration by the sublime Pittachio in which he will blend with most familiar ease, wine and politics, private interest and public welfare etc, to conclude with a denunciation of the Jacobins and a plan for marching to Paris!
Thirdly, an essay on the beneficial effects resulting from places and pensions by Master Jenkinson to which will be added a succinct account of the blessings of apostasy by the warlike Secretary, who will favour the company with a song entitled “War before Commerce.”
Fourthly, a serio-comic entertainment called “All Under the Table” or “Wine Flies Upwards!” in which a form of prayer will be read to the prostrate company by Cardinal Horsly who has been engaged at a considerable expense and undertaking to prove the infallibility of the Romish religion.
The whole to conclude with a solemn and moral dialogue (after the manner of Peach’em and Lockit) entitled “Watt’s Ghost” or “Dead Men Tell No Tales”.
The company are requested to pay particular attention to this piece as it develops the real management of the spy system.
NB.
If time and circumstances permit,
Mr Hawkesbury will recite a humorous story f his own composition called “King’s
Friends” or “The Dupe” which in due time will be published to the astonishment
of the public.
Sieur Henrico Dundassio returns his grateful thanks to his friends and the public for their hitherto unmerited confidence and encouragement and begs leave to inform them that as he entertains some apprehension of being deprived of his licence by the swinish multitude and as this is, in all probability, the very last time that he shall be permitted to perform, nothing shall be wanting on his part to render the entertainment complete and agreeable to that description of persons who will alone be permitted to partake of it.
Vivant Rex et Regina