HUNTING SONGS 



XVIII 



I never kill'd save once a hound, I saw him on his 



back 

 With deep remorse — he w^as, of course, the best one 



in the pack ; 

 The thought oft-time has griev'd me with a wild fox 



well away, 

 That friends right worthy of it should have miss'd the 



lucky day, 



XIX 



If e'er my favourite cover unexpectedly was blank, 

 Then silent and dispirited my heart within me sank ; 

 But never till this moment has a tear bedimm'd mine 



eye, 

 With sorrow such as now I feel in wishing you 

 Good-bye. 

 1872. 



The Pheasant and the Fox 



A FABLE 

 I 



" /^CTOBER strips the forest, we have pass'd the 



V-x equinox, 

 It is time to look about us," said the Pheasant to the 



Fox ; 

 " I cannot roost in comfort at this season of the year. 

 The volleys of the battue seem to thunder in my ear." 

 166 



