RIDING ON EXMOOR. 363 



surprising with what confidence Master and men 

 ride across it going home with hounds. The 

 stranger, whether in summer or winter, is better on 

 the road after dark, for Exmoor is a very nasty place 

 on which to spend the night. 



'■' Now I pray unto every creature that hath heard 

 or read this httle treatise, of whatever estate or 

 condition he be, that where there is too httle of good 

 language, that they of their benignity and grace will 

 add more, and there where there is too much 

 superfluity they will also abridge it as may seem best 

 by their good and wise discretion. Not presuming 

 that I had over much knowledge and ability to put 

 into writing this royal disportful and noble game of 

 hunting so effectually that it might not be submitted 

 to the correction of all gentle hunters. And in my 

 simple manner as best I could, and as might be 

 learned of old and many diverse gentle hunters, I did 

 my business In this rude manner to put the craft and 

 the terms, and the exercise of this said game more in 

 remembrance of all lords ladies gentlemen and 

 women according to the customs and manners used 

 in the high noble Court of this Realm of England." 

 - " The Master of Game." 



(Shirley MS.). 



