13+ ANXALS OF THE ROAD. 



CHAPTER XXV. 



ODE TO DRAGSMEN. 



The following verses, which appeared in the ' Sporting 

 Magazine,' show that champions such as ' H.' were wanted 

 to support and defend the honours of the bench. ' H.' 

 thus introduces his ' Ode ' to the editor : — 



' Dear Mr. Editor, for you are dear to me, inasmuch 

 as you have afforded me amusement for many a lazy 

 hour, more especially when coaching has occupied your 

 pages, what think you of an olympiad thereon ? 



When Greece was free she loved to hear 

 The bold, triumphant steeds career, 

 When Pindar deemed his memory dear 

 Who rode the rapid car. 



Olympic Muse ! is this decreed ? 

 Shall none accord his nobler meed 

 Who link'd the generous leaders' speed 

 Before the splinter bar ? 



For sure the coachman-hands are few 

 That wield in style the polished yew, 

 And onwards, as their horses press, 

 Restrain their courage, motionless ! 

 The awkward turn, the steepy hill, 

 Ne'er foil their systematic skill. 



