ii2 CONVERSATIONAL HINTS 



I scarce had shot a single bird. 



I know not why these things are puzzles- 

 Pheasant and rabbit both preferred 



To die that day by other muzzles. 

 Or if some reckless bird aspired 



To suit me, it was very odd he 

 Seemed, as without effect I fired, 



All tail, and not a scrap of body. 



Some twenty rabbits, too, had crossed 



The grassy rides where I was posted. 

 My score was eighteen rabbits lost, 



And only two completely ' ghosted.' 

 By shooting soon, or shooting late, 



I missed them ; yet it does seem funny 

 That fancy thus should elongate 



The short but most deceptive bunny. 



Though it were wiser not to care 



For trifles such as these, they vexed me ; 

 My skill I would not boast is fair, 



And this day's want of it perplexed me. 

 So, as I stood and watched the trees, 



I vowed this time to aim much harder, 

 And kill my birds in style, and please 



My host, and help to fill his larder. 



