HUNTING SONGS 



The Earth Stoppej^ 



TERROR of henroosts ! now from hollow sand- 

 earth, 

 Safely at nightfall, round the quiet farmstead, 

 Reynard on tiptoe, meditating plunder. 



Warily prowleth. 



II 



Rouse thee ! Earth stopper ! rouse thee from thy 



slumber ! 

 Get thee thy worsted hose and winter coat on. 

 While the good housewife, crawling from her 



blanket. 



Lights thee thy lantern. 



Ill 



Clad for thy midnight silent occupation. 

 Mount thy old doghorse, spade upon thy shoulder, 

 Wiry hair'd Vixen, wheresoe'er thou wcndest. 



Ready to follow. 



IV 



Though the chill rain drops, driven by the north 



wind, 

 Pelt thy old jacket, soaking through and through 



thee, 

 Though thy worn hackney, blind and broken winded. 



Hobble on three legs ; 

 l6 



