276 NIMROD'S HUNTING TOUR 



We had not tried long, before Rafter gave mouth. — 

 Esteem'd by the pack as the standard of truth ; 

 They quickly flew to him, and instant declare 

 That Rafter was right, "/o>' a Fox had been there.'" 

 And trust me he proved a notorious blade, 

 His name was Old Ceesar, and jjlunder his trade. 

 His name-sake, in all the great battles he won. 

 Spilt less blood by gallons than this rogue had done. 



Unkennel'd at Aingholme, he led us a round, 



lu which we might run about four miles of ground ; 



Then back to the earths, but the stoppers took care 



To baulk him from making his quarters good there ; 



Disdaining such treatment, he flourished his brush, 



And seom'd to say — Sportsmen, I care not a rush ; 



I'll give you a proof of such stoutness and speed, 



That old Nimrod himself would have honour'd my breed. 



Through Hornby and Smeaton he now bent his way, 



Resolved to make this a remarkable day ; 



He then wheel'd to the left, to the banks of the Tees, 



But there he could find neither shelter nor ease ; 



So finding with what sort of hounds he'd to deal. 



And that his pursuers were true men of steel. 



He push'd to gain shelter in great Crathorne wood. 



With the liounds at his brush, and all eager for blood. 



Now the field, all alive, how they smoked him along ! 

 So joyous the masic, each note was a song. 

 And all was good humour, and spirit, and joy. 

 Though strong emulation enliven'd each eye. 

 Next passing by Marton, and Ormsby great hall, 

 He seem'd to say — Little I value you all : 

 For many a stout horse was now slack'ning his speed. 

 And to see them tail off was diverting indeed. 



Then not to be thought a contemj^tible fox. 

 He dared them to follow o'er Cleveland high rocks. 

 But th' ascent was so steep, and so painfully won. 

 That few gained the top before he was far gone. 

 To Kirkleatham Hall he next bent his career, 

 Hard press'd by the owner to end his life there. 

 Assuring him he and his friends would not fail 

 All possible honours to render his tail. 



