The Street of the Bad Boys

The verses on the top of this print reflect the widspread anxiety of the time over violence and crime in the city: What poor mortal was sheltered In this dark hovel? Who once concealed himself there In the nights and in the shadows? Was it Virtue? Miserable, and silent? Or Crime, would you say? Or some vicious soul? Indeed, I cannot say which it is. If you wish to know, Inquisitive one, go there yourself and see, While there is still time.