18 



To the Magna Charta, Lowdham, 

 From far and near they come ; 



Some kindred souls from Derbyshire — 

 Across the river, some. 



Then, as the phalanx moved along 



The road to Bleasby Gorse, 

 With a watchful eye I scanned them, 



Ev'ry man and ev'ry horse. 



Like a lovely chequered ribbon 



The little pack advance ; 

 Fresh as paint, and bright as satin, 



They long to lead the dance. 



First comes Rolleston (r) upon Eocket, 

 With a thoughtful huntsman's air ; 



Taking counsel with George Shepherd, (2) 

 Neat and jaunty as his mare. 



Next, noblemen in scarlet coats, 



A nd gentlemen in black, 

 And ladies fair, and riders rare, 



And Lielly (3) on a hack. 



But Bleasby holds no customer — 

 They cheer and " haicks " in vain. 



While we sit cooling visibly, 

 Predictino: it will rain. 



1. Lancelot RoUeston, Esq., master and huntsman of the South Notts, 

 hounds from 1876 to 1882. 



2. George (really German) Shepherd, first whip and kennel huntsman 

 to Mr. Musters, Mr. Rolleston, and Lord Harrington successively, and 

 deservedly respected by all in the South Notts, country. 



3. John Liell Francklin, Esq., of Gonalston, late M. F. H. 



