William the Conqueror dressed in armour on horseback observes a motley collection of volunteers. Coloured etching by John Leech.

The scene is set outside a tavern named 'The Duke's Head', 'good stabling'. A maid with a pointed hat serves drinks to a group of soldiers in armour at a table. William raises a club as he sits imperiously on the back of the horse. His volunteers include a small soldier in the foreground whose sword is bigger than him. The others hold shields that illustrate objects of their professions. A child leans on a sleeping dog beside an abandoned drum kit to the left