[Illustration: PLATE III. MERMAID. (Cheapside, 1640.) ALE-GARLAND. (Wouwverman, 17th cent.) CRISPIN AND CRISPIAN. (Roxburghe Ballads. 17th century.) TRUSTY SERVANT. (Circa 1700.) HOG IN ARMOUR.] In the seventeenth century signs had been sung in sprightly ballads, and often given the groundwork for a biting satire. They continued to inspire the popular Muse until the end, but her latter productions were more like a wail than a ballad. There is certainly a rollicking air of gladness about the following song, but it was the last flicker of the lamp:-- “THE MAIL-COACH GUARD. At each inn on the road I a welcome could find:-- At the _Fleece_ I’d my skin full of ale; The _Two Jolly Brewers_ were just to my mind; At the _Dolphin_ I drank like a whale. Tom Tun at the _Hogshead_ sold pretty good stuff; They’d capital flip at the _Boar_; And when at the _Angel_ I’d tippled enough, I went to the _Devil_ for more. Then I’d always a sweetheart so snug at the _Car_; At the _Rose_ I’d a lily so white; Few planets could equal sweet _Nan_ at the _Star_, No eyes ever twinkled so bright. I’ve had many a hug at the sign of the _Bear_; In the _Sun_ courted morning and noon; And when night put an end to my happiness there, I’d a sweet little girl in the _Moon_. To sweethearts and ale I at length bid adieu, Of wedlock to set up the sign: _Hand-in-hand_ the _Good Woman_ I look for in you, And the _Horns_ I hope ne’er will be mine. Once guard to the mail, I’m now guard to the fair; But though my commission’s laid down, Yet while the _King’s Arms_ I’m permitted to bear, Like a _Lion_ I’ll fight for the _Crown_.” This was written in the beginning of the century, when eighteen hundred was still in her teens. A considerable falling off may be observed in the following, contributed by a correspondent of William Hone:-- “SIGNS OF LOVE AT OXFORD. _By an Inn-consolable Lover._