iVt'rc Publications. 399 



says the unknown but accomplished translator, " to enter into a 

 prolix defence of the courser's pursuit, against the objections of 

 its adversaries in the field or closet." " I would not goe about," 

 in the words of Gervase Markham, " to elect and prescribe 

 what recreation the husbandman should use, binding all men to 

 one pleasure, — God forbid ! my purpose is merely contrary : for 

 I know in men's recreations, that nature taketh to herselfe an 

 especiall prerogative, and what to one is most pleasant, to ano- 

 ther is most offensive ; some seeking to satisfie the mind, some 

 the body, and some both in joynt motion." We of the cour- 

 sing fraternity prefer the " canis Gallicus," and " arvum va- 

 cuum" of Ovid, as instrumental to our choisest diversion : 



" camposque patentes 

 " Scrutamur, totisque cili discurrimus arvis; 



" Et cupimus facili cane sumere prsedas : 



" Nos timidos lepores " 



but we do not forbid others, 



" imbelles figere damas, 

 " Audacesve lupos, vulpeni aut captam dolosam." 



For the refined diversion of coursing may be as disagreeable to 

 the foxhunter, whose only joy is when 



" The hounds shall make the welkin answer them, 

 " And fetch shrill echoes from the hollow earth," 



Taming of the Shrew, Sc. II. 



as it is delightful to the general amateur, on account of its 

 chaste and temperate, and contemplative quiet. King James, 

 in his B«o-;A(»ov Aa^ov, (himself, according to Sir Theodore May- 

 erne, " violentissimis ohm venationis exercitiis deditus,)" praises 

 *' the hunting with running houndes, as the most honourable 

 and noblest sort thereof," and is supported by the high autho- 

 rity of Edmond de Langley, master of game ; adding, " it is a 

 thievish forme of hunting to shoot with gunnes and bowes, and 

 greyhound hunting is not so martiall a game." But, on the 

 other hand, Sir Thomas Elyot, in " The Governour," speaking 

 of " those exercises apte to the furniture of a gentleman's per- 

 sonage," and " not utterly reproved of noble autours, if they be 

 used with oportunitie and in measure," calls " hunting the hare 

 with grehoundes a right good solace for men that be studiouse, or 

 theim to whom nature hathe not geven personage or courage 



