THE FIRST PACKS 



That very black horseman dismounts from his 



steed 

 And takes off Reynard's brush with most sports- 



manUke heed. 

 The group has come up with the stranger the 



while 

 Who takes off his hat to the squire with a smile, 

 And hands him the brush with an air most polite 

 Expressing his joy at transferring the right 

 Which only the speed of his hunter had won 

 To him who had shown them so noble a run. 



" Gad, Sir! " says the Squire, 



" Whether most to admire 

 Your politeness or daring I'm puzzled to say, 

 But though I've seen hunting enough in my day 



All I've met with must yield 



To your feats in the field; 

 I trust I at least can induce you to dine 

 And your horsemanship pledge in a bumper of 

 wine." 



Then with laughter and jest 



Honest Tom and his guest 

 Ride along while their humour is shared by the rest 



Who vow one and all 



Master Nick to install 

 As the prince of good fellows and just at nightfall 

 They reach most goodhumouredly Castletown 



Hall. 

 But enough, to their dinner the hunting folk sit 

 With a silence displaying more wisdom than wit; 



D 33 



