54 England's oldest hunt. 



enabling the Earl of Feversham and his guests to stalk 



them. The song runs : — 



Bilsdale Stag Hunt. 

 In the year eighteen hundred and twenty-one, 

 Bilsdale foxhounds to Boltby a hunting did come ; 

 For having set down more sportsmen to meet 

 On the 10th day of April it was a fine seet. 

 Our sportsmen having met from both far and near, 

 The day of our chase you quickly shall hear ; 

 Uncoupling the hounds, into cover they went 

 To try for bold Renny, but could not find scent. 

 The huntsman he tried right over Stirk Hill, 

 Through Birkbank cover he used all his skill, 

 Then through the Shut plantings by Gutta Wood did tak, 

 Unto the Sand Earths, where they were called back ; 

 Then to Cowesby Wood next, and tried for him there, 

 But finding no scent they shirked off a hare ; 

 Then down Yackley Bank, away they did ride, 

 And Butcher Mill intack for Renny they tried. 

 Next unto Upsall Whin they then took their way, 

 And tried for to find poor Renny there. 

 Now through the New Building Woods did they range. 

 And finding no scent they thought it very strange ; 

 So most of the sportsmen did then give it o'er, 

 For they thought it no use to try any more. 

 To Mount St. John then the rest took their way, 

 Bound for the White Mare, thinking Renny must be there ; 

 But Towler gave challenge, all in Cotcliff Wood, 

 And our huntsman harked to him, he knew it was good ; 

 " Hark ! away unto Towler," our huntsman did sing, 

 And when they got to him they made the woods ring ; 

 Upstarting a stag for Sutton he did tak. 

 But, running to Kelmire, he there turned back ; 

 From Kelmire to Boltby he then took his way, 

 And got into the Oaks, where he thought for to stay, 

 But looking around him saw the hounds in full cry, 

 And thought to himself it was high time to fly. 

 Then up the hill he went, where some weaver lads sat, 

 When they sang out, " Now, my lads, turn him back ; " 

 " Tantivy ! Tantivy ! " then their voices did sound, 

 Which made the country echo all round. 

 Now straight across West Moor he then took his way, 

 And down Yackley Bank so gallantly did stay. 

 Then right over Knayton Moor, he advanced along, 

 And in Knayton town was viewed by the throng. 



