Thoughts on the invasion!

A buxom young woman frets over the possibility of a French invasion and clasps her hands in despair. An old crone, mending a dainty stocking, sits across from her and entertains worries over the consequences of the invasion. Unlike her younger counterpart, the crone seems to relish thoughts of being ravished, for her such an invasion is a business opportunity, and a perhaps a chance to relive her youthful exploits. Throughout the image, cats sleep and stretch at ease. These cats indicate that the satire is set in a brothel: the young woman is a prostitute and the crone a Madame. A buxom young woman frets over the possibility of a French invasion and clasps her hands in despair. An old crone, mending a dainty stocking, sits across from her and entertains worries over the consequences of the invasion. Unlike her younger counterpart, the crone seems to relish thoughts of being ravished, for her such an invasion is a business opportunity, and a perhaps a chance to relive her youthful exploits. Throughout the image, cats sleep and stretch at ease. These cats indicate that the satire is set in a brothel: the young woman is a prostitute and the crone a Madame. Published by Robert Ackermann, 1801-08-27. British Museum, BM 9725. This satire is not listed in Broadley. An image with the same title is included, but the artist and the publisher is Charles, not Cruikshank. This is one of the invasion plates published in the summer of 1801. George notes that the report published in 'the Moniteur of 21 June (quoted Times 25 June) was an invasion threat backed by ostentatious preparations at Boulogne, Dunkirk, &c., intended to influence the peace negotiations. In England counter preparations were made and the Invasion Orders of 1797 were revived.' Caption: Pubd at Ackermann's Galy 101 Strand London August 27, 1801 Dialogue: Young Woman: "Indeed Ma'am I can't sleep of a Night with thinking of it-shocking work-if they come they will certainly ruin us all- I do assure you I did not close a leg (an Eye I mean) at all last Night." Dialogue: Old Crone: "Why, really Miss you surprize me-Sure you don't say so--do you think they will ravish us all!! aye--lack a day--what not one single one escape--I hope however they will spare my Poor Cats."