THE BREECHES 



VI 



From Spurstow we pointed towards Bunbury 



Church, 

 Some rounding that cover were left in the lurch ; 

 By Hurleston we hurried, nor e'er tighten'd rein. 

 Till check'd for one moment in Baddiley lane. 



VII 



When we pass'd the old gorse and the meadows 

 beneath. 



When, across the canal, we approach'd Aston 

 Heath, 



There were riders who took to the water like rats, 



There were steeds without horsemen, and men with- 

 out hats. 



VIII 



How many came down to the Edlestone brook. 

 How many came down, not to leap — but to look ; 

 The steeds that stood still with a stitch in their 



side. 

 Will remember the day when the Breeches were 



tried. 



IX 



The pack, pressing onwards, still merrily went, 

 Till at Dorfold they needed no longer a scent ; 

 Man and maid rushing forth stood aloft on the 



wall. 

 And uprais'd a view hollo that shook the old hall. 



53 



