The friendly agent

Major Scott (right) hauls at a broad ribbon round Hastings's neck by which he is being drawn up to a gibbet. The ribbon, which passes over a pulley, is inscribed 'Defence of W. Hasti--gs Esqr'. To each of Hastings's feet a large money-bag is attached inscribed respectively 'Rupees' and 'Pagodas'. Hastings looks with terror towards an Indian with a noose round his neck who emerges from flames and smoke, saying, "I am Nuncomar's Spirit, Hast**gs - follow me!". Small demons in the flames show that Nuncomar is in Hell. The top of the gibbet is decorated with the mask of Burke looking towards Hastings with a satisfied smile. The King and Queen stand together on the left, mourning the fate of Hastings. The Queen is much caricatured as a lean hag, clasping her hands and turning up her eyes; she is pregnant. Under the King's arm is a large packet inscribed 'Bulse'. Hastings, Scott, and the King wear oriental dress with turbans, that of the King surmounted by a crown. In the background an oriental town is in ruins but flies the British flag; tiny corpses lie in front of the buildings, two of which are Chinese pagodas resembling the one at Kew. Cf. British Museum online catalog.