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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D5459/1/93/27
Former ReferenceD5459/1/171
TitleThe Dilemma: a Scene in the Beggars Opera
Date[1800-1809]
DescriptionA young man stands between Henry Addington on the left and Henry Dundas on the right and says:
"Which way shall I turn me? - how can I decide. Tis this way - or that way - or which way you will. What would please this friend- 'tother friend would take ill."
Addington replies:
"Unless to me you trust restore, I'll Doctor for you sir, no more"
While Dundas adds:
"In pity - soften thy decree, Nor let me cry - Ah - Wha wants me" Available on CD 158.
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
ArtistWoodward, George Murgatroyd (?1765-1809)
Archive CreatorGeorge Murgatroyd Woodward (1765-1809), artist and writer
Further InformationAddington was the son of a doctor, and was often referred to as the Doctor in caricatures.
The drawing might refer to George Tierney's (1761-1830) attempts to get into office. He toyed with the idea of joining the Addington Government (1801) but wanted other Whigs to join him leading both Sheridan and Charles James Fox to publicly criticise potential defectors. In 1802 he put up only formal opposition and in 1803 he accepted the Treasurership of the Navy.

The cry of 'Wha wants me' was that of an Edinburgh character, first applied to Dundas in 1792. 'The Beggar's Opera', by John Gay, was first performed in 1728
Physical DescriptionPencil drawing with text in ink. Size 348 x 294 mm.
CopiesA digital copy can also be viewed on the public computers at the record office.
Related MaterialFor depictions of Addington see D5459/1/93/10 etc.
For depictions of Dundas see D5459/1/93/1 etc.
Image

The Dilemma: a Scene in the Beggars Opera

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