FOX-HUNTING. 31 



liament's, entails so much hard work, accompanied 

 with so little thanks, as that of a master of fox-hounds. 

 A "fierce light," inseparable from his semi-regality, 

 beats on him ; his every act is scrutinised and dis- 

 cussed by eyes and tongues ever ready to mark and 

 proclaim what is done amiss. Very difficult is it 

 for him to do right. There are many people to 

 please, and often what pleases one offends another. 

 Anything going wrong, any small annoyance, arriving 

 too late at the meet, getting a bad start, drawing 

 away from, and not towards, the grumbler's home 

 (and grumblers, like the poor, must always be among 

 us) — all these things are apt to be somehow visited 

 on the unhappy master. 



Upon the King ! let us our lives — our souls, 

 Our debts, . . . our sins, lay on the King ! 



Then there is the anxiety for his hounds' safety 

 among wild riders and kicking three-year olds. 

 He knows each hound, and has a special affection 

 for some, which makes him in gateways or narrow 



