1893] MR. FORD'S POEM. 259 



Then fair ladies rode as they ne'er rode before, 

 Grim warriors were minded of brave deeds of yore, 

 The Warwickshire squires, inspired by the chace, 

 Proved worthy descendants of valour and race. 

 Our hard-bitten farmers were not far behind, 

 Though late to them fate has been somewhat unkind ; 

 Poor Fatties soon showed their best efforts as keen 

 As of those blest by nature with bodies more lean. 



Those big wattled fences — the pace was so great — 

 Denied us the help of the erst friendly gate ; 

 No matter how big or how hairy the jilace. 

 No grace for the funker who once turns his face. 

 One captain so brave on the white-faced bay* 

 Grhastly places flew o'er, where, at dinner that day. 

 Some said they had followed — they possibly may — 

 But as no one else saw them, no more will we say ! 



On the right of the Hunt were three brave men and true 

 Whom none did o'ertake till the bridge was in view. 

 When the Master and Jem, coming up with a swing, 

 Cheered on their swift hounds — hear the wild echoes ring ! 

 Well o'er the canal, we now galloped away 

 O'er sweetest of country, the hest many say. 

 Until we had reached Priors Hardwick's long hill. 

 Where some cried " To ground " ; others said, " 'Tis a kill " — 



'Twas twenty-six minutes from Ladbroke's old gorse. 

 And the ho^^nds had the best of each rider and horse, 

 Without falter or check in the slightest degree. 

 Now a check was a blessing to many and me I 

 Some led up their steeds to the top of the hill, 

 Others emptied their flasks with a jolly good will. 

 And some even sat down upon the green sward, 

 Such panting and puffing there never was heard. 



This moment of rest — it is all very fine. 



But his Lordship's again on this wild fox's line. 



Hounds hunted him well towards Boddington Village, 



He visits, no doubt, the dark scenes of his pillage. 



Priors Marston is passed, on by Helidon still, 



And dark through the mist looms old Shuckburgh Hill. * 



Though the line is still forward, and owned by each hound, 



Hereabouts they say " Charley " a substitute found. 



* Captain J. Barklie McCalmont, who hunted regularly with the Warwickshire, 

 and often comes out still from Thorpe Mandeville, where he now resides. 



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