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The Good Little Robins burying the Bills in the Wood, 1858
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The Good Little Robins burying the Bills in the Wood, 1858
The Good Little Robins burying the Bills in the Wood, 1858. There had been much infighting in Parliament on the relative merits of the two India Bills introduced by first Palmerston (the bird on the right) and then Disraeli (the bird on the left). In order to avoid a damaging blow to the Tories if Disraelis bill were to fall in favour of Palmerston s, Lord John Russell proposed that neither bill should be accepted, but that general resolutions should be discussed instead. Like Babes in the Wood, the two little bills were abandoned; Thus wandered these poor innocents Till deathe did end their griefe. In one anothers arms they died, As wanting due reliefe. No burial this pretty pair Of any man receives, Till Robin-Redbreasts, Diz and Pam, Did cover them with leaves. From Punch, or the London Charivari, May 8, 1858
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Media ID 14830442
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
1st Earl Russell Of Kingston Russell Asleep Beaconsfield Benjamin Benjamin Disraeli Disraeli Dizzy Earl Of Beaconsfield Henry John Henry John Temple Heritage Image Partnership John Russell Lord Lord Beaconsfield Lord John Lord John Russell Lord Palmerston Lord Russell Palmerston Pipe Robin Russell Sleep Sleeping Viscount Hughendon Of Hughendon Babes In The Wood India Bill Metaphor
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this print, titled "The Good Little Robins burying the Bills in the Wood, 1858" we witness a powerful political metaphor unfold. The image captures two prominent figures of 19th-century British politics, Benjamin Disraeli and Lord Palmerston, depicted as birds engaged in a heated debate. The context behind this caricature lies within the fierce parliamentary infighting over two India Bills proposed by these influential statesmen. To prevent potential damage to the Tories if Disraeli's bill were to fail against Palmerston's, Lord John Russell suggested abandoning both bills and discussing general resolutions instead. Reminiscent of the tale of "Babes in the Wood" where abandoned children meet an unfortunate fate until saved by Robin-Redbreasts, these helpless bills find themselves deserted. Left without proper burial or recognition from any man, it is only through the compassionate actions of Diz and Pam (Disraeli and Palmerston) that they are covered with leaves. This satirical engraving from Punch magazine serves as a poignant commentary on political maneuverings during that era. It highlights how even significant legislative proposals can be discarded like forgotten babes left to perish alone in nature's embrace. As we observe this thought-provoking scene unfold before us, we are reminded of the intricate web woven by politicians seeking power and influence. Through clever symbolism and artistic finesse, this print invites us to reflect upon timeless themes such as ambition, rivalry, compromise, and ultimately humanity's capacity for compassion amidst turbulent times.
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