HISTORY OF THE KILDARE HUNT 



that it goes to a very pretty air to which she still 

 sings it. I print the whole of its twelve verses with- 

 out any apology because I regard it as a genuine 

 popular ballad, evolved doubtless by the humbler 

 followers of the hunt over their pipes and glasses, 

 and altogether worthy of being preserved. 



THE BISHOPSCOURT HUNT 



You Irish gentlemen I pray draw near 

 And listen to what I do declare; 

 If you be fond to hunt the fox 

 To Bishopscourt I pray repair. 



Last New Year's Day I chanced to stray 

 Abroad to take the pleasant air, 



I heard a cry which raised my heart; 

 Straightway to them I did repair. 



There I espied a numerous train 



Of educated gentlemen. 

 If you're not of extraction great 



You won't be let to hunt with them. 



Mr Ponsonby he was there 

 And well prepared he was to go. 



He was mounted on a gallant horse 

 Which went by the name of brave Stingo. 



To Elverstown they all trained down 



Into the covert where he lay; 

 Such a hunt in your life you ne'er did see 



Nor heard tell of this many a day. 



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