Bel VOIR Hunt. 29 



And I must here tender my obligations to 

 the lady by whose kindness I am enabled to 

 reproduce the following humorous lines and 

 illustrations : — 

 " December's air is keen and sharp, 

 December's nights are cold, 

 And dismal 'tis on moonless nights 

 To journey o'er the wold. 



And very dismal was the night, 



The mist was dank and chill. 

 When sallied forth a baker wight, 



From Ropsley by the Mill. 



For he was fain that night to gain 

 His home in Grantham town, 



A well hred man ! he would maintain 

 Good name and fair renown. 



The baker wight, whose bread was light,* 



Far lighter than his heart ! 

 Much fearing darkness, had a lamp 



On each side of his cart. 



He thought of foes so dark and grim, 



Of woods with robbers rife. 

 And felt he had no staff with him, 



Except the staff of life. 



* Not sad. 



