Notes and Queries, Vol. V, Number 123, March 6, 1852: A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc.Various
History
Notes and Queries, Vol. V, Number 123, March 6, 1852: A Medium of Inter-communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, etc.
Various
Questions and answers -- Periodicals
Replies to Minor Queries:--Old Scots March--Elizabeth,
Equestrian Figure of--Meaning of Stickle--Latin
Names of Towns--Llandudno, on the Great Orme's
Head--Brozier--Passage in Troilus and Cressida--Nelson
Family--Maps of Africa--Muggleton--Passage in
Hamlet--Theoloneum--Donkey--Sir Samuel Garth--Princes
of Wales and Earls of Chester, &c.: Mr. Bush's
Collection--Litera scripta manet 235
MISCELLANEOUS:--
Notes on Books, &c. 237
Books and Odd Volumes wanted 238
Notices to Correspondents 238
Advertisements 239
Notes.
SOUTH SEA PLAYING CARDS.
It is pretty generally known that, during the South Sea mania, a pack of
playing cards was published in illustration of the prevailing folly.
Each card contained a caricature of one of the numerous bubble
companies, with a pertinent verse underneath. These cards are now
extremely rare. I never saw a complete set, nor do I know where one is
to be found. Some time ago a friend kindly furnished me with a copy of
all the verses (except one), and as I am not aware that they have been
printed separately, I beg to forward a transcript for preservation in
"N. & Q.;" not because I think they have any excellence to recommend
them, but because it is desirable that so curious a record of a very
extraordinary time should not be entirely lost.
Perhaps some of your correspondents can supply the missing verse:--
SPADES.
Ace. _River Douglas._
"Since bubbles came in vogue, new arts are found
To cut thro' rocks, and level rising ground;
That murmuring waters may be made more deep,
To drown the knaves and lull the fools asleep."
Two. _Grand Fishery._
"Well might this bubble claim the style of grand,
Whilst they that raised the same could fish by land;
But now the town does at the project pish,
They've nothing else to cry but stinking fish."
Three. _Cleaning the Streets._
"A cleanly project, well approved no doubt,
By strolling dames, and all that walk on foot.
This bubble well deserves the name of best,
Because the cleanest bite of all the rest."
Four. _Fish Pool._
"How famous is the man that could contrive,
To serve this gluttonous town with fish alive.
But now we're bubbled by his fishing pools,
And as the men catch fish, the fish catch fools."
Five. _York Buildings Water Company._
"You that are blest with wealth by your Creator,
And want to drown your money in Thames water,
Buy but York buildings, and the cistern there
Will sink more pence than any fool can spare."
Six. _Insurance on Lives._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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