■Frank Beers ^ Huntsman. 103 



They dwelt not -at their fences and though terrible the pace, 

 Not less their tuneful voices they would now and then upraise. 



XXXVI. 



It could not last much longer, when we got upon the plough 

 The Pack were to their noses brought; our fox was sinking 



now. 

 The scent began to fail a bit and though 'twas far from dull, 

 Most of us were uncommon glad to take a little pull. 



XXXVII. 



For light \veights and for ladies too, although their nags be 



blow^n, 

 Tis possible to leap a fence or two and not come down; 

 But welter weights, however big their horses, must look out 

 Or at this juncture they would catch a purl beyond a doubt. 



XXXVIII. 



Beers who had ridden straight and well now eyes each favourite 



hound, 

 As puzzling out the line, they gain, but slowly gain some ground. 

 Content at having pressed his fox, sits as a statue still, 

 And takes no notice of the halloo forrard on the hill. 



XXXIX. 



And well is he rewarded and patience wins the day. 

 For from the field the hounds again begin to slip away ; 

 And if they had been lifted, 'tis likely I maintain, 

 They never would have settled on their fox's line again. 



XL. 



To Canons Ashby osier-bed we galloped fast and hard ; 

 Nor did that holding covert much the furious hunt retard. 

 For Reynard when he reached it all too hot to lie in hiding, 

 Nor turned nor stopped but bustled through along the centre 

 riding. 



