The r-----l mystery, or, The Secrets of an Illustrious Family: A Poem. ... And a Correct Account of the Late Extraordinary Interview.
London: Published by J. Johnston, 1812. Hardcover. The World Cat record for this edition refers to a portrait bound within; this copy has none, with no indication it was ever there.
A satirical poem, in three cantos, in reference to the many affairs and the marriage of the Prince of Wales (later George IV) to Caroline of Brunswick, along with an "Extraordinary Interview" with the mother of Caroline.
The three cantos are titled, "Marriage of Caesar and Guendeline", "Guendeline's Tale" and "The Separation of Caesar and Guendeline". In the first Canto, The Prince (later George IV) is spoofed for his many affairs:
"Caesar the Fourth, a lickerish sort of blade,
Had wanton'd in the arms of many a maid,
And, drone-like, robb'd the scanty hive of life.
From night to morn in seas of pleasure swimming,
Like a light breeze the fields of beauty skimming,
All womankind one universal wife!
Till, by his r-----l sire constrained, he swore
To take a spouse, and emigrate no more!" (p6).
The cantos are followed by The Extraordinary Interview, between Lord E and the Marchioness, in question and answer format. It is prefaced with a brief statement which explains that Caroline's mother has been requested to "not only abridge her visits to her daughter in point of number", but also to make them no longer than 10 minutes long!
8vo, 33 pp. Later binding, ca 1890s, half green cloth and marbled boards. Boards and spine slightly rubbed; title page with small repair to upper corner. Circular gilt embossed bookplate previous owner, Arthur Phelps Williams at front. OCLC: 41221394 records only one copy, at Princeton. Very good overall. Item #25480
Price: $175.00