An episode in 'The recruiting officer' by George Farquhar: Captain Plume offers to buy chickens from Rose's poultry basket. Mezzotint by J. Faber after P. Mercier after G. Farquhar.

"This is the opening scene of Act three of the 1706 comic play, 'The recruiting officer' by George Farquhar (1677/1678-1707). Rose, a country wench (possibly played by Catherine 'Kitty' Clive, 1711-1785), carries a basket of chickens, and behind her Captain Plume, played by Robert Wilks (1665?-1732), grasps the shoulder of her brother and accomplice, the unfortunate Bullock. In the background, Sergeant Kite is seated at a table taking a glass of wine." (National Trust Erddig website). The action is set in Shrewsbury

The conversation in the play runs as follows: Enter Rose, followed by her brother Bullock, with chickens on her arm, in a basket. Rose. Buy chickens, young and tender chickens, young and tender chickens. Plume. Here, you chickens. Rose. Who calls? Plume. Come hither, pretty maid. Rose. Will you please to buy, sir? Wor. Yes, child, we'll both buy. Plume. Nay, Worthy, that's not fair; market for yourself. Come, child, I'll buy all you have. Rose. Then all I have is at your service. Wor. Then must I shift for myself, I find. [Exit]. Plume. Let me see; young and tender, you say. [Chucks her under the chin.] Rose. As ever you tasted in your life, sir. Plume. Come, I must examine your basket to the bottom, my dear! Rose. Nay, for that matter, put in your hand; feel, sir; I warrant my ware is as good as any in the market. Plume. And I'll buy it all, child, were it ten times more. Rose. Sir, I can furnish you. Plume. Come, then, we won't quarrel about the price; they're fine birds. Pray, what's your name, pretty creature! Rose. Rose, sir. My father is a farmer within three short miles o' the town: we keep this market; I sell chickens, eggs, and butter, and my brother Bullock there sells corn. Bul. Come, sister, haste, we shall be late home. [Whistles about the stage.] Plume. Kite! [Tips him the wink, he returns it.] Pretty Mrs. Rose you have let me see how many? Rose. A dozen, sir, and they are richly worth a crown. Bul. Come, Rouse; I sold fifty strake of barley today in half this time; but you will higgle and higgle for a penny more than the commodity is worth. Rose. What's that to you, oaf? I can make as much out of a groat as you can out of fourpence, I'm sure the gentleman bids fair, and when I meet with a chapman, I know how to make the best of him. And so, sir, I say for a crown-piece the bargain's yours. Plume. Here's a guinea, my dear! Rose. I can't change your money, sir. Plume. Indeed, indeed, but you can, my lodging is hard by, chicken! and we'll make change there. [Goes off, she follows him.]

[London?] : [publisher not identified], 1739.

1 print : mezzotint ; image 24.6 x 32.3 cm

A scene in the recruiting officer. Ph. Mercier inv.t et pinx.t I. Faber fecit.

Wellcome Collection 2853333i