Aerostation out at Elbows, or The Itinerant Aeronaut

by Thomas Rowlandson
1785

MET Collection 62.696.53

Behold an Hero comely tall and fair!
His only Food Phlogisticated Air!
Now on the Wings of Mighty Winds he rides!
Now torn thro' Hedges!—Dash'd in Oceans tides!

Now drooping roams about from Town to Town
Collecting pence t'inflate his poor Balloon,
Pity the Wight and something to him give,
To purchase Gas to keep his Frame alive.