THE LIFE OF A SPORTSMAN 255 



supper, given annually to the ladies and gentlemen of the 

 neighbourhood, at the sole expense of the members of it. 

 That for this year took place last week, and certainly was 

 one of the best I ever witnessed out of London. How- 

 ever, a description of such matters is not much in my 

 line, neither do I suppose it would be very interesting to 

 you ; still, as I know you like a neat effusion of the lyric 

 muse, and especially when she sings of the chase, I will 

 transcribe a song that was made for the occasion by the 

 Rev. T. Willy, and sung by him after supper, with the 

 very best effect : 



' The triumphs of heroes let others declare, 

 Or in ecstasy sing of the charms of the fair ; 



Of love, or of war, may the verse freely flow ! 

 Let the glass aid the song, while those pleasures I trace 

 Those enlivening joys which arise from the chase. 



Tallyho ! tallyho ! see the well-chosen 



Pack, how they gallantly go ! 



A southerly wind, and light clouds in the sky, 

 The air mild and fresh, nerves and spirits all high, 



Tallyho ! tallyho ! to the cover we go : 

 Hark ! Reveller's speaking By heavens ! 'tis good, 

 Get forward, and cheer them well out of the wood. 



Tallyho ! tallyho ! see the well-chosen 



Pack, how together they go ! 



Erect in his stirrups, with listening eye, 

 The master is catching at Batchelor's cry ; 



Tallyho ! tallyho ! all seem eager to go. 

 Restrain your wild ardour, as yet, within bounds, 

 And wait to ride after, not over, the hounds. 



Tallyho ! tallyho ! see the well-chosen 



Pack, how together they go ! 



With eye beaming cunning, and light-tripping pace, 

 See the fox steals away hear the pack m full chase ; 



Tallyho ! tallyho ! how together they go ! 

 Hold hard, for a moment, and give them fair play : 

 You'll all want your top-speed, if they once get away. 



Tallyho ! tallyho ! see together they go. 



How some, fairly mounted, go striding along, 

 While others hard labour with bit, steel, and thong : 



Tallyho ! tallyho ! how they struggle to go ! 

 Hold hard ! is the word, but I strongly suspect, 

 Not the hounds, but some horses are brought to a check. 



Tallyho ! tallyho ! how they gallantly go ! 



