19 



THE PACE WAS TOO GOOD TO 

 INQUIRE. 



How quickly we found ! I can see him to day, 



The fox that was bred by the squire. 

 " Oh ! who is the stranger who viewed him away ? " 

 They asked, as he handled his blood-looking bay. 



"The pace was too good to inquire." 



He seemed, as I fancied, to rise to the sky 



At the gate by the side of the wire. 

 I asked if he thought it exceptionally high, 

 Though he turned in his saddle, there came in reply, 



'' The pace was too good to inquire." 



He pounded us all ; though we rode with a will 



Our bruisers were forced to retire ; 

 Away for the brook, and away for the hill, 

 Where, where, was the crowd that we met by the mill ? 



" The pace was too good to inquire." 



The parson's new hat floated down on the stream, 



The brim was all covered with mire ; 

 His riderless horse was all lather and steam. 

 No question was asked at the time — it would seem 



" The pace was too good to inquire." 



C 2 



