An Original Collection of Songs :: :: University of Virginia Library

I've just come from the City, friends,
And if you, in this crisis,
The Market's state would really learn,
And know the current prices—
Tis I can truly tell you them,
Though every hour they vary;

For instance—Drugs are on the move,
While Paper's stationary!
Tol, lol, lol, &c.

There's in Tobacco good returns,
While snuffs are freely taken:
Per contra, Mats are very flat,
Though Masts remain unshaken.
While Lead, it goes off heavily,
And Leather's at a stand—
But Hops are very brisk indeed,
Though Hemp still hangs on hand.
Tol, lol, lol, &c.

Steel goods look dull—but Capers
Lively are, and on the go;
And Bristles they are getting up,
While Spirits are but low.
Then Glass has greatly fallen,
But, what needn't much surprise—
'Tis whisper'd 'mongst the Doctors,
Castor Oils are like to rise.
Tol, lol, lol, &c.

Then raw goods are improving—
Heavy goods are but a drag—
There is a great cry out for wool,
Though Colours somewhat flag.
For Coffee there's a call, altbough
For Blubber few will bid.
The markets are of skins quite bare,
Though Pitch sticks where it did!
Tol, lol, lol, &c.

Of Iron there's a strong supply,
For Coals a great demand,
Yet Ashes are quite dead, although
We gravell'd are for Sand.
While dry goods have so damp been,
They are scarcely marketable;

And Straw has shifted strangely,
Though Hay remains quite stable!
Tol, lol, lol, &c.

Of Feathers we are nearly pluck'd,
And Logwood don't look bright—
On Tallow there's a run,
Though calls for Candles are but light.
Salt and Sugar, lately, are alike—
And, by your leaves, you know,
Within the last few months,
The sale of Teas, has been but sloe.
Tol, lol, lol, &c.

Of Corn there's great consumption,
But Chaff's still on the decline—
While Dyes are lively, Opium's a drug,
So, too, is Wine!
Good Deals are down, while Firs are high,
Of Gums there's scarce a sup,
Though Microscopes and Telescopes
Continue looking up.
Tol, lol, lol, &c.

Good Peppers are in warm request,
But Tin looks very dull—
Oils go on smooth enough, although
The market's of them full.
Teeth yet retain their hold—Tongues, they
Still continue wagging,
While Starch keeps stiffly up—but Rags are
Really going begging!
Tol, lol, lol, &c.

Brown Crush has got up lately,
And Dates cannot be quoted—
Quicksilver's steady—Sables a
Dead article are voted:
Deer Skins are cheaper—Hartshorn is
Reviving 'tis confest;

No Sails are made of canvas,
Though ticking's in request.
Tol, lol, lol, &c.

In Geneva nothing's doing—Hollands
Are as dull as ever;
Though of Lisbon many parcels,
Are arriving in the River;
While Mountains they are very low, and—
Nay, restrain your laughter—
Horse hair, in tails, continues, as of
Wont, to be look'd after!
Tol, lol, lol, &c,

There is no cracking about nuts,
They really are so bad;
But from our letters still we find,
That Seals are to be had.
Folks cotton much to worsted—
Parchments greatly are engross'd.
And Raisins go off currently—
Though of Horns few cits make boast.
Tol, lol, lol, &c.

This is the market's latest state,
Upon the Stock Exchange;
Which proves we're not quite ruin'd yet,
Though some may think it strange.
In Mark Lane—not in Mincing Lane—
I live, and if you're bent
On buying, my Commission, friends,
Is only cent per cent.
Tol, lol, lol, &c.