J/' 



THE ESSEX FOXHOUNDS. 



Now, hold 1 I pray you, Jim or Jack ! 



Urge not too soon the spreading pack. 



Let Pirate rove, let Striver try, 



Let Freeman hunt at liberty ; 



No sounding flail, no threatening rate 



Scare Modesty or Delicate ; 



Leave Beauty to her own sweet will, 



Let Diligent with Patience still, 



And Wisdom search, let Trespass stray, 



Gaylass and Wanderer have their way. 



Alas ! they range the field in vain, 

 Yon flock have left a deadly stain ; 

 Tlie huntsman each appealing eye 

 Invokes to solve the mystery. 



Quick as a thought, like lightning's speed, 



He drives the rowels in his steed, 



Utters one cheer, emits one blast. 



Full gallop makes a forward cast. 



It may not be ; hounds give no sign, 



Silent they follow Bailey's line. 



" No fox would dare to cross that vale." 



" He's back," quoth Quare, " upon his trail. 



And see, a hound still running mute, 

 See Darter up that furrow shoot ! — 

 Hold, eager horsemen ! still untaught 

 That pressing hounds must spoil your sport 

 One moment, till they're on the scent 1 

 Watch them, with wavering intent 

 Scarcely a Doubtful note endorse. 

 But when that other speaks, of course 

 All score to cry in glad surprise. 



