THE ROEBUCK AT TOFT 



On a Thor7i Tree planted over the Grave 

 of ^' Miss Miggs^' a "Brood Mare 



WITH a thorn in her side the old mare we inter. 

 Though ahve she ne'er needed the prick of 

 a spur. 

 Six colts and eight fillies the stock, that she bred, 

 Each in turn first and foremost the hunting-field led. 

 This thorn if it rival the produce she foal'd, 

 Will be hung in due season with apples of gold ; 

 But whate'er fruit it bear it will not bear a sloe^ 

 For no thorn save a quick thorn can out of her grow. 



The Roebuck at Toft 



AN OLD WAYSIDE INN REMOVED IN 1 864 



ON the Mail have I travell'd times many and oft. 

 Looking out for the sign of the Roebuck at 

 Toft; 

 Or and gules was the blazonry, party per pale. 

 The head was attir'd like the haunches and tail. 

 In his muzzle an olive branch proper was stuck. 

 And the villagers call'd him the bloody-tail'd Buck. 



The Chestnut-tree well I remember whose shade 

 Overhung the bright tints which the Roebuck dis- 



play'd ; 

 And the bench which invited the weary to rest, 

 And mine Host who came out with a mug of his best ! 



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