Nathaniel Dance-Holland, British
“Great. Now Let’s Try a Pose Where You Look Like You’re Shaking Down Your 3-Year-Old For Her Lunch Money,” ca. 1769
Oil on canvas
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/// Posing here are John Pybus and clan.
He’s an East India Company man.
Been abroad many years;
returned home to face fears.
Plans to check dates of birth, if he can.
/// In Sumatra and India he’d dwelt,
where in tropical heat passions melt.
John’s wife trod British paths,
now he’s doing the maths.
(She had not worn a chastity belt.)
/// With wild jealousy John sometimes trembles.
Does he truly think Martha dissembles?
Though it might cause disgrace,
here he studies the face
of young Charles to see whom he resembles.
/// Youngest son just awoke from his nap
and now stands perched upon Mama’s lap.
Brother sprawls on the grass.
Sisters, each a fine lass,
favor Mama, but who is their Pap?
Apologies for casting unwarranted aspersions upon The Pybus Family.
(left to right: Martha, Anne, John, John, Charles and Martha)