THE FOX HEADED BACK 143 



Listen ! the hounds have turned : they are now in two 

 parts. The fox has been headed back, and we have 

 changed at last. 



Now, my lad, mind the huntsman's halloo, and stop 

 to those hounds which he encourages. He is right! 

 that, doubtless, is the hunted fox. Now they are off 

 again. 



What lengths we pass ! where will the wand'ring Chase 

 Lead us bewilder' d ! Smooth as swallows skim 

 The new-shorn mead, and far more swift, we fly. 

 See my brave pack ! how to the head they press, 

 Jostling in close array, then more diffuse 

 Obliquely wheel, while from their op'ning mouths 

 The vollied thunder breaks. 



Look back and view 

 The strange confusion of the vale below, 

 Where sour vexation reigns ; 



Old age laments 

 His vigour spent: the tall, plump, brawny youth 

 Curses his cumbrous bulk ; and envies now 

 The short pygmean race, he whilome kenn'd 

 With proud insulting leer. A chosen few 

 Alone the sport enjoy, nor droop beneath 

 Their pleasing toils. — Somerville. 



Ha ! a check. Now for a moment's patience ! We 

 press too close upon the hounds ! Huntsman, stand 

 still! as yet they want you not. How admirably 

 they spread! how wide they cast! Is there a single 

 hound that does not try? If there be, ne'er shall he 

 hunt again. There, Trueman is on the scent : he 

 feathers, yet still is doubtful. 'Tis right ! how readily 

 they join him ! See those wide-casting hounds, how 

 they fly forward to recover the ground they have 

 lost ! Mind Lightning, how she dashes ; and Mtingo, 

 how he works ! Old Fra7itic, too, now pushes 



