HARE-HUNTING 



Where flovvVs autumnal spring, and the rank mead 



Affords the wandering hares a rich repast ; 



Throw off thy ready pack. See, where they spread 



And range around, and dash the glitfring dew. 



If some stanch hound, with his authentic voice, 



Avow the recent trail, the jostling tribe 



Attend his call, then with one mutual cry 



The welcome news confirm, and echoing hills 



Repeat the pleasing tale. See how they thread 



The brakes, and up yon furrow drive along ! 



But quick they back recoil, and wisely check 



Their eager haste ; then o'er the fallowed ground 



How leisurely they work, and many a pause 



Th"" harmonious concert breaks ; till more assur'd 



With joy redoubled the low valleys ring. 



What artful labyrinths perplex their way ! 



Ah ! there she lies ; how close ! she pants, she doubts 



If now she lives ; she trembles as she sits. 



With horror seized. The withered grass that clings 



Around her head, of the same russet hue, 



Almost deceived my sight, had not her eyes 



With life full-beaming her vain wiles betrayed. 



At distance draw thy pack, let all be hush'd, 



No clamour loud, no frantic joy be heard, 



Lest the wild hound run gadding o'er the plain 



Untractable, nor hear thy chiding voice. , 



Now gently put her off; see how direct 



To her known mews she flies ! Here, huntsman, bring 



(But without hurry) all thy jolly hounds, 



And calmly lay them on. How low they stoop, 



And seem to plough the ground ; then all at once 



With greedy nostrils snuff the foaming steam 



That glads their flutt'ring hearts. As winds let loose 



From the dark caverns of the blust'ring god, 



They burst away, and sweep the dewy lawn, 



Hope gives them wings, while she 's spurr'd on by fear. 



The welkin rings, men, dogs, hills, rocks, and woods. 



In the full concert join. Now, my brave youths. 



Stripped for the chace, give all your souls to joy! 



See how their coursers, than the mountain roe 



49 



