A satirical engraving depicting a marriage party of sailors. A Fleet Marriage was a common example of an irregular or a clandestine marriage taking place in England before the Marriage Act 1753 came into force. Specifically, it was one which took place in London's Fleet Prison or nearby.
The lower margin reads: "Jack, rich in Prizes, now the knot is ty'd,/ Sits pleas'd by her he thinks his maiden Bride./ But tho a modest look by Molly's shown,/ She only longs for what she oft has known./ The Bawd, now from her Daughter's charge reliev'd/ With pleasure smiles to think how he's deceived./ Experienc'd in the Trade, and void of Shame,/ to her the Man in Crape imparts his Flame./ The Lawyer grins & Peg with wanton Glance,/ Seems much delighted by Tom's antic Dance./ Kit kisses Kate, vows she shall be his Wife,/ While Cat & Dog resemble nuptial strife./ The Skimmington Observe, Mirth to provoke,/ Sam points the Horns, with many a bawdy Joke./ For Spouse's Cloaths the Baily's Crew are seen,/ And change, oh sad Mishap! the jovial Scene./ Publish'd according to Act of Parliament; November y.e 10, 1747. Price 6 d. by M. Cooper".
