July-Dec 1841, p19 - Hercules tearing Theseus from the rock to which he had grown (modernized) (PUNCH'S PENCILLINGS. NO.II)

ARTIST:
A.S. Henning; Ebeneezer Landells

TEXT WITHIN THIS IMAGE:

CAPTION:
HERCULES TEARING THESEUS FROM THE ROCK TO WHICH HE HAD GROWN (MODERNIZED)
APOLLODORUS relates that THESEUS sat so long on a rock, that at length he grew to it, so that when HERCULES tore him forcibly away, he left all the nether part of the man behind him.

OTHER:
Treasury Bench

CONTEXT:
Reluctance of Whigs to yield power after Conservative election victory in July 1841.

"Sir Robert Peel, in a speech of great eloquence, condemned the inactivity and feebleness of the existing Government, and promised that, should he displace it, and take office, it should be by walking in the open light, and in the direct paths of the constitution. He would only accept power upon his conception of public duty, and would resign the moment he was satisfied he was unsupported by the confidence of the people, and not continue to hold place when the voice of the country was against him." source: POLITICAL SUMMARY TO VOL.1, 1891 Punch reprint