HUNTING SONGS 



Women mostly, they say, love to take their own line. 

 Giving thanks for advice which they mean to 



decline ; 

 Whether women accept the advice or oppose it, 

 Depends, I think, much on the man who bestows it. 



That voice seem'd to fall on her ear like a spell, 

 She turn'd, for she thought she could trust it right 



well ; 

 To the field on the left they diverted their flight — 

 At that moment the pack took a turn to the right. 



" Persevere," said the youth, " let us gain the beech- 

 wood, 



The old fox will assuredly make his point good ; " 



Knowing scarce what she did, she still press'd on the 

 bay. 



Nor found out till too late, they were both led astray. 



Youth and maid they stood still when they reach'd 



the wood-side, 

 Forlorn, then, the hope any further to ride ; 

 In despair they look round, but no movement espy. 

 Not a hound to be seen either distant or nigh. 



Both silent there stood they — indignant the maid. 

 The youth stung with grief at the part he had play'd ; 

 Still he thought, from the wreck he had made of the 



day. 

 That some treasure of hope he might yet bear away. 



174 



