The allied efforts, or political struggle

In this image, as in the Cruikshank from which it derives (see Notes), five monarchs attempt to climb a soaped or greasy pole. The Austrian Emperor is at the base of the pole and supports the others stacked on his back. Small in stature yet of prepossessing girth, Louis XVIII attempts to grasp the prize/crown placed at the top of the pole. Directly underneath Louis XVIII, Wellington pushes him upwards with one hand placed suggestively on the restored King's backside. Wellington himself is awkwardly supported by the King of Prussia, who in turn straddles the Czar's shoulders. Alexander I stands fully upright on Francis of Austria's hunched back and appears proud and contentedly unaware of the struggle taking place above him. Standing on the ground at the base of the pole, the young King of Rome tugs at his grandfather's coat demanding attention. Napoleon is also included; he stands concealed by shrubbery behind a rock and grumpily claims, "I climb'd up twice without any help." In this image, as in the Cruikshank from which it derives (see Notes), five monarchs attempt to climb a soaped or greasy pole. The Austrian Emperor is at the base of the pole and supports the others stacked on his back. Small in stature yet of prepossessing girth, Louis XVIII attempts to grasp the prize/crown placed at the top of the pole. Directly underneath Louis XVIII, Wellington pushes him upwards with one hand placed suggestively on the restored King's backside. Wellington himself is awkwardly supported by the King of Prussia, who in turn straddles the Czar's shoulders. Alexander I stands fully upright on Francis of Austria's hunched back and appears proud and contentedly unaware of the struggle taking place above him. Standing on the ground at the base of the pole, the young King of Rome tugs at his grandfather's coat demanding attention. Napoleon is also included; he stands concealed by shrubbery behind a rock and grumpily claims, "I climb'd up twice without any help." Publisher unknown. This sheet has been cropped to the margins of the image. Because of the cropping, very little information can be gleaned. However, it probably relates to a satire etched by George Cruikshank and published by William Hone on Oct. 6, 1815. Cruikshank's satire is titled 'Louis XVIII Climbing the Mat de Cocagne,' BM 12614, Broadley 550. Another copy of Cruikshank's print is 'The Mat de Cocagne--or Louis XVIII Supported by Ye Allies!!,' BM 12615. The satire etched by Cruikshank--and by extension, this image as well--was based on a French print. 1815? Caption: The Mat de Cocagne is a long pole, well soaped, on the top of which are hung upon public occasions various Prizes which he who climbs/to the top gets. A poor Creature of total incapacity affords infinite pity & Merriment, & tumbles down faster then he ascends. He who fails once/ and tries again affords the most sport. Dialogue: Francis I: "If I leave them they will fall on me." Dialogue: King of Rome: "dear Grand Pappa, leave all these folks to themselves." Dialogue: Napoleon: "I climb'd up twice, without any help." Dialogue: Alexander I: "behold my Work! Dialogue: Francis I: "Let me take what suits me." Dialogue: Louis XVIII: "Support me or I shall fall!" Inscription: New French Caricature selling privately at Paris. Annotation: 1815 Annotation: Napoleon, 91 [circled], 141 [also circled] Annotation: 750 Annotation: TH264 Collector's Mark: A