Mutual politeness: or reasons for delay!!

Napoleon (l.) removes his hat and bows towards John Bull (r.), offering his excuses for the delay of the threatened invasion. John Bull, also bowing in a gentlemanly manner, accepts this 'apology' and notes that the first excuse Napoleon has offered, that of a lack of French war ships, is sufficient. Dressed in the manner of a 'cit,' Bull is represented in a profile view that plays up his large stomach and round face. Napoleon is shown to be elegantly thin and short in stature. Sheet has suffered damage in the form of wrinkling and rubbing in some areas. Napoleon (l.) removes his hat and bows towards John Bull (r.), offering his excuses for the delay of the threatened invasion. John Bull, also bowing in a gentlemanly manner, accepts this 'apology' and notes that the first excuse Napoleon has offered, that of a lack of French war ships, is sufficient. Dressed in the manner of a 'cit,' Bull is represented in a profile view that plays up his large stomach and round face. Napoleon is shown to be elegantly thin and short in stature. Sheet has suffered damage in the form of wrinkling and rubbing in some areas. Published by R. Ackermann, Autumn, 1803. Caption: Publish'd by R. Ackermann, 101, Strand 1803 Dialogue: Bull: "My dear Sir--your first reason is quite sufficient--therefore if you please, I will dispense with the other five and thirty!" Dialogue: Napoleon: "Mr. Bull--I certainly intended to destroy you and your Country before now--but some trifling accidents have delayed my design--however I can give you six and thirty reasons why I have not sent over my ships--in the first place, I have no ships to send--..."