In the 18th century magic’s place in popular culture was reflected in increasing use as a tool of satire. With its deceptions, misdirection and illusions, the language and images of magic lent themselves perfectly to political satire. This pamphlet by Jonathan Swift uses the language of the handbills of travelling conjurors to attack the plans for a Bank of Ireland in 1721. The extravagant claims of impossible feats warn potential subscribers and supporters of the bank not to be taken in by grand promises that will most probably end in disappointment. An artist boasts of wonderful feats involving gruesome assaults on the audience which miraculously cause no pain or damage. The finale involves the conjuror taking ‘from any gentlemen, ladies, widows, orphans, all the ready cash they can muster’ for his own use and the advantage of ‘said widows etc. and the benefit of the whole Kingdom,’ and they will receive from this the same satisfaction as from any of his wonders.