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was Gurth, the valiant Saxon, who foiled the bold outlaw with his 

 favorite weapon, the faithful squire of the renowned Ivanhoe at 

 the celebrated tournament of Ashby de la Zouch. And such are 

 men of the present day, some even now among us, whose names, 

 did it not border too closely on personality, your Committee could 

 give, and which would elicit grateful applause. 



It is not remarkable that when the poets of old, as well as the 

 novelists of a later date, touched upon this theme, and sang or 

 said the praises of those who studied the excellencies of swine, 

 they surpassed themselves, and soared to loftier flights, inspired 

 by the glorious theme — a theme fit for poetry, and which, indeed, 

 siiould only be lisped in numbers. A theme so inviting, that — 



" Can you pardon my presumption — even I — 

 No wit — no genius — yet for once will try. — " 



Hail to the men, all honor, fame and place, 

 TIic friends and benefactors of our race. 

 Who lend the influence of all-powerful mind, 

 To increase the joys and comforts of mankind I 

 And at the head of this proud catalogue, 

 Stands he who seeks to elevate — the hog. 



Then while we sit in solemn conclave, all, 

 A solemn body 'round this vaulted hall, 

 Dispensing with becoming care and zeal, 

 The meet awards for enterprize and skill, 

 Let us complete our task, and scorn to shirk 

 The claims of those who do the noblest work. 



When pork invites us, who would basely choose 

 To turn aside and consort with the Jews ? 

 Then urged by grateful feelings let us raise 

 Our voices high, and give the meed of praise 

 To that small band, the firm and faithful few 

 Who, led by motive strong and generous too. 

 Cudgel their brains, and labor — not in vain — 

 T' improve and beautify the breed of swine. 

 From whose round forms such unctuous treasures flow, 

 The pride and glory of our Cattle Show. 



" Great Dr. Johnson, who in size an Ox, 

 Learned from his uncle Andrew how to box," 

 Once said in social and familiar chat, 

 " Who kills fat oxen should himself be fat !" 

 If this be so, then what rewards are due 

 To those brave men, so faithful, just and true, 

 Who, scorning fame and wealth, and vain applause, 

 Oft spend a lifetime in a nobler cause ? 



Oh, may these generous souls, with tastes refined, 

 True benefactors of the human kind. 

 Who seek t' improve the forms and habits rude 

 Of that vast host, the swinish multitude. 

 Receive wher'er they go, now and again. 

 Strong marks of favor from their fellow-men : 

 Undoubted tokens, free and undisguised. 

 Of worth acknowledged and of labors prized. 



