The Ultimatum

The Ultimatum

Gordon Thomson (fl. 1866-1886)

Wood engraving by the Dalziels

Fun (13 November 1878)

“Bendizzy [Disraeli], the Snake Charmer, trying to subdue the great Afghan Serpent with his Ultima-tom-tom, before proceeding to stronger measures.” The serpent on which is written “Cabul” bears the arms — and reveals the influence — of Tsarist Russia, England’s chief opponent in what Kipling called the Great Game.

  • Cabul’s reply to the Ultimatum

    • Courtesy of the Suzy Covey Comic Book Collection in the George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida.

    [This image may be used without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose without prior permission as long as you credit (a) the Suzy Covey Comic Book Collection and (b) Link to this page in a web document or cite it in a print one. — George P. Landow]