WARWICKSHIRE HUNT. 393 



All ! no, reload while Ponto stands 



Watching each motion of your hands. 



Then seek your game, or, if preferr'd. 



Bid happy Ponto bring the bird. 



This rule neglected, Ponto soon 



Will rush, as influenc'd by the moon, 



When gun is fired and bird is shot. 



Shewing that policy is not 



So bad as that of present pot ; 



Better lose birds, and hares, and rabbits. 



Than teach your pointer vicious habits. 



Now mark my prayer with my command. 

 When yon have got your gun in hand. 

 And first relieve me from alarm 

 By loading with extended arm. 

 Fixing the copper coverings last. 

 When the fourth wadding has been passed. 

 And guarding well with anxious sight 

 Lest casual blow the caps ignite. 

 Point your gun upwards to the sky. 

 Or to the earth when friends are by, 

 If only to relieve their fears 

 Of shot sent rattling rovmd their ears. 

 And never or in jest or quarrel 

 Point to your friend or self the barrel. 

 Oh ! no, not e'en th' unloaded gun, 

 Lest children in their thoughtless fun 

 Learn the sad lesson, and in play 

 Some belov'd friend or brother slay. 

 Ere struggling thro' the thorny gaps. 

 Reflect upon what sad mishaps 

 Are caus'd by sportsman's careless hand 

 When traversing from land to land. 



c c 3 



