THE NOBLE SCIENCE. 155 



whipper-in is in active attendance upon him, at certain 

 distance in his rear, ready to put on any stragglers as 

 they join, with a '' go hark cry, go hark !" in a tone of 

 encouragement (not of reproach, for they cannot all be 

 en masse at once in strong covert) ; there are twenty 

 couples thundering through the stuff. Hark to yon 

 piercing scream across the ride. The first whipper-in 

 has viewed him over, and, waving his hand in the direc- 

 tion of the fox's head, he is galloping, stealthily, to the 

 corner by the gate-post, whence he can rely upon a view 

 away. Heaven grant that no blundering idiot be out- 

 side. Here come the pack, they have cleared the high 

 wood ; look at them flying through the stubs ; see how 

 they fling, how quick they turn, and how maintain the 

 cry — now one, and then another, like a chime of bells ; 

 and helter-skelter, down the muddy ride, come flounder- 

 ing on " the field." 



" Cigars are thrown down in a hurry, 

 And bridle-reins gather 'd up tight, 

 See each is prepar'd for a scurry, 

 And all are rcsolv'd to be right. 

 Tally-ho ! cries a clod from a tree — 



Now I'll give you all leave to come on. 

 And a terrible burst it will be, 



For right o'er a fine country he's gone." 



Hunting Song. 



The fox has not hung an instant, he has threaded only 

 the quarter of the covert where he was found, where he 

 was well found, and so well pressed, that it is too hot to 

 hold him. Like a gallant fellow he has faced the open; 

 without a turn he has resolved upon a run for his life ; 



