314 PHEASANTS 



has a strong palate. The second * boy ' 

 bears a huge stone jar of Norwich ale, 

 with an ancient black horn whose worn 

 edge bears witness to long and honourable 

 service ; the thirst must be quenched off- 

 hand, for others wait their turn with the 

 horn. 



Wholesome fare, that only the weak 

 need supplement from private resources, 

 rolls stuffed with good things from the 

 sideboard at breakfast; all to be eaten 

 with the loins girded and gun in hand, 

 as hares keep breaking back and must be 

 attended to, for the Earl, last of a grand 

 old type of English gentleman, has strong 

 views about any slackness in the shooting- 

 field, and enforces a healthy discipline 

 among his guests.^ 



To save time now, and trouble in 

 picking up to-morrow, no birds are to 



1 The late Lord Leicester died in 1909, and those who 

 knew him, know too that they will never see his like 

 again. To say that, setting all questions of rank and 

 riches aside, he was respected by all who knew him, 

 whether prince or peasant, is perhaps to pay the most 

 fitting tribute to his memory. 



