HUNTING SONGS 



IV 



In right of his bugle and greyhounds, to seize ^ 

 Waif, pannage, agistment, and windfallen trees. 

 His knaves through our forest Ralph Kingsley dis- 



pers'd, 

 Bow-bearer in chief to Earl Randle the first. 



V 



This horn the Grand Forester wore at his side 

 Whene'er his liege lord chose a hunting to ride ; * 

 By Sir Ralph and his heirs for a century blown, 

 It pass'd from their lips to the mouth of a Done.^ 



VI 



O ! then the proud falcon, unloos'd from the glove. 

 Like her master below, play'd the tyrant above ; 

 While faintly, more faintly, were heard in the sky. 

 The silver-ton'd bells as she darted on high. 



VII - 



Then rous'd from sweet slumber, the ladie high born, 

 Her palfrey would mount at the sound of the horn ; 

 Her palfrey uptoss'd his rich trappings in air. 

 And neigh'd with delight such a burden to bear. 



VIII 



Vers'd in all woodcraft and proud of her skill, 

 Her charms in the forest seem'd lovelier still ; 

 The Abbot rode forth from the abbey so fair. 

 Nor lov'd the sport less when a bright eye was there. 



* Note 21. - Note 22. ' Note 23. 



18 



