It may be observed, that _London_ always affords a set of itinerant poets, whose office it is to furnish inscriptions for satirical engravings. I lately overheard one of these unfortunate sons of the Muse making a bargain with his employer. "Your print," says he, "is a taking one, and why won't you go to the price of a half-crown Epigram?" From such hireling bards, I suppose, our artist purchased not a few of the wretched rhimes under his early performances, unless he himself be considered as the author of them. Of this print emblematic of the _South Sea_, there are, however, two impressions. The second, printed for _Bowles_, has been retouched. [1] For some further account of this design, see the article _Man of Taste_, under the year 1732, N° 7. 2. The Lottery.[1] _W. Hogarth inv. & sculp. Sold by Chilcot and Caldwell. "Emblematic, and not good."_ This plate is found in four different states. In one there is no publisher's name under the title. Another was _sold by Chilcot, &c._ A third was printed and sold by S. _Sympson_, in _Maiden-lane_, near _Covent Garden_. A fourth was printed for _John Bowles_, in whose possession the plate, which he has had retouched, remains. The following explanation accompanies this plate: "1. Upon the pedestal, National Credit leaning on a pillar, supported by Justice. 2. _Apollo_ shewing _Britannia_ a picture representing the Earth receiving enriching Showers drawn from herself (an emblem of state lotteries). 3. Fortune drawing the blanks and prizes. 4. Wantonness drawing the numbers. 5. Before the pedestal, Suspence turned to and fro by Hope and Fear. 6. On one hand, Good Luck being elevated is seized by Pleasure and Folly, Fame persuading him to raise sinking Virtue, Arts, &c. 7. On the other hand, Misfortune oppressed by Grief, _Minerva_ supporting him points to the sweets of Industry. 8. Sloth hiding his head in the curtain. 9. On the other side, Avarice hugging his money. 10. Fraud tempting Despair with money at a trap-door in the pedestal." _Price One Shilling._--Had not _Hogarth_, on this occasion, condescended to explain his own meaning, it must have remained in several places inexplicable. [1] It appears, from the following notice in the _General Advertiser, Dec._ 12, 1751, that this and the foregoing print were re-published by _Bowles_ during the life of _Hogarth_. "Lately reprinted, designed, and engraved by Mr. _William Hogarth_. "Two Prints on the Lottery. One of them showing the drawing of the Lottery by Wantonness and Fortune; and by suitable emblems represents the suspence of the adventurers, the situation of the fortunate and unfortunate. "The other print is a burlesque representation of the folly and madness which inspires all ranks of people after lottery-gaming, with the pernicious consequences thereof. _Price One Shilling._ "Sold by _J. Bowles_, at the _Black-horse_, in _Cornhill_." * * * * * 1723.