312 SHIKAR SKETCHES. 



And never was a scarlet coat 



Amongst us to be seen. 

 'Twas thus we passed the merry time, 



Nor thought of care or woe, 

 In the days when we went hog-hunting, 



A long time ago. 



II. 

 Our custom was at early dawn, 



When dewdrops glittered fair, 

 To track the grey and grisly boar, 



And rouse him from his lair. 

 Our steeds the noblest and the best 



That e'er Arabia knew, 

 Well strung each nerve, and in each hand 



Was poised a weapon true. 

 'Twas thus, etc. 



in. 

 Now beating high is every pulse, 



Now fired is every eye, 

 And, answering to their riders' haste, 



The noble coursers fly. 

 Wide fame be his who ne'er turns back, 



But presses to the fore, 

 And foremost ranked be he who first 



Shall pierce the old grey boar. 

 'Twas thus, etc. 



