THE ROAD TO AVERNUS 



He's down — but he's not worth the trouble 

 Of seeking. You once shot a bear 



In his lair — 

 'Tis only a buck that lies there." 



I said to Lord Charles only last year, 



The time that we topp'd the oak rail 

 Between Wharton's plough and Whynne's 

 pasture, 

 And clear'd the big brook in Blakes- 

 vale — 

 We only — at Warburton's double 

 He fell, then I finish'd the run 

 And kill'd clean — said, ** So bursts a bubble 

 That shone half an hour in the sun — 



What is won ? 

 Your sire clear'd and captured a gun." 



I said to myself, in true sorrow, 

 I said yestere'en, '' A fair prize 



Is won, and it may be to-morrow 



'Twill not seem so fair in thine eyes — 



Real life is a race through sore trouble, 



That gains not an inch on the goal, 



217 



