The Merry Past 



when he came to the spot, shook his head, and drew 

 back. It is further said that Mr. Cherry at length 

 broke his own neck, and thereby relieved the King 

 from being beguiled into danger. 



George III was an ardent votary of the chase, and 

 took great interest in the details of the hunts which he 

 favoured by his presence. 



On one occasion, when hunting near Basingstoke, he 

 got into conversation with Mr. William Chute, of the 

 Vine, who was member for the county, and well able 

 to gratify the King's curiosity as to who was out with 

 the hounds, besides knowing all about the places 

 through which the hunt passed. When they came 

 to a certain old manor-house which had some curious 

 fragments of antiquity, the King exclaimed : " What 

 is that, Mr. Chute ? What ! what ! what ! " Chute 

 smiled and hesitated. The King repeated his question. 

 " Why, please your Majesty," said Chute, who was 

 bluntness itself, " that is a manor held of your 

 Majesty by the tenure of finding your Majesty a 

 concubine whenever you come this way ! " The King 

 exclaimed : '' What ! what ! what ! Mr. Chute ? — 

 eh ? eh ? Mr. Chute ! — I believe I shall stop my 

 horse and take some refreshment there. But are there 

 pretty girls there, Mr. Chute ? — are there pretty girls 

 there ? " " Please, your Majesty," with sufficient 

 familiarity, " shall I go and see ? " But a loud 

 " Tally ho ! " sounded at that moment, and off they 

 all went at a full burst. At the end of a famous run, 

 which delighted the King, His Majesty again found 

 himself by the side of Chute. " Ah ! ah ! Mr. 



F 65 



