CHASE OF THE WILD RED DEER 153 



rightwardes in y^' same track or path y^ he came. 

 This hapneth not often, unless the ryver be full 

 of sallows or such bushes, and neare unto some 

 forest. But let some one of y*-" huntesmen have 

 alwayes an eye to the ryver, and let the rest beate 

 with their houndes xx paces from the bankes, and 

 so let them keepe on altogether untill they finde 

 where he brake water ; and if they find any blocke 

 or beame, or such thing that lieth crosse overthwarte 

 the streame, let them looke there whether he have 

 broken water or not. for unlesse it be at such a 

 place, or at such a let, a harte will keepe the 

 water long, especially when he breaketh from the 

 houndes over a champaigne countrie ; for at such 

 times they will holde the water as long as they 

 can, and also at such times they trust no longer 

 neyther in their thickets, nor in their swiftnesse, 

 but are constrayned to seek the soyle as their last 

 refuge.' * 



I will not ask pardon for digressing. I have 

 done so purposely. To return, however, to our 

 gallant stag. He has refreshed himself in a deep 

 pool close to the spot where he took soil, and 

 without staying long to enjoy the luxury of the 

 bath, has risen, though not 'fresh as the foam,' 



* ' Art of \"enerie,' p. 115,1?/ ^^Q- 



