IIUXTINO, AND RIDING TO HOUNDS. 41 



extent, tliey arc thus placed before the genei'al 

 reader : — 



'' She rode ! but not as many others ride, 



Flung to the saddle, hanging on a crutch, 

 With face aslant, and seated all aside, 



Turned to the left ungracefully too much. 

 Well to her front, she sat erect and still, 



Swaying, but simply, as her black steed moved, 

 As if commanding motion at her will. 



Her horse obeying but because he loved ! 

 I sketch not now her figure nor her face, 



Her lips that seemed to speak without a word 

 Straight to the heart, and there implanted grace, 



The moment the sweet record had been heard ! 

 " Grace ! " It is " grace " to worship when the shrine 



Is bright — unsullied — taintless and divine ! 

 If compliment is sooth it don't deceive, 



No deed can make the baser metal gold. 

 I only utter that which I believe, 



And, hating falsehood, thus the truth is told ; 

 But now to others, looking but at one. 



To park and hill where many often go. 

 Where none e'er ride for riding sake alone, 



But all are fain in graceful guise to show. 

 Oh, ladies dear, when seated in the selle. 



On trotting steeds with action high in air, 

 Please do not let the ear your boundings tell. 



But sit as mute as in your boudoir chair. 

 No noise should vex us with a sense of pain. 



From face to foot there should be perfect rest. 

 Well o'er your steed a blithe command retain. 



But let him feel as if each touch caressed. 

 A lady riding to the hounds — indeed 1 



No valid reason for her not being there ! 



