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:--
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Come all ye gen'rous husbands with your wives Insure round sums on your precarious lives, That to your comfort, when you're dead and rotten, Your widows may be rich when you're forgotten."
"You that delight to keep your sweaty feet, By often changing stockings, clean and neat, Deal not in stocking shares, because I doubt Those that buy most 'ere long will go without."
Eight. _Puckles Machine_ (Bullets round and square).
"A rare invention to destroy the crowd Of fools at home, instead of foes abroad. Fear not, my friends, this terrible machine, They're only wounded that have shares therein."