THE REV. JOHN LODER 21 



Ten minutes past nine was the time of the day, 

 When Reynard unkennelled, and this was his play : — 

 From the Common of Beedon to Langley he stray'd, 

 By Bradley he passed, not at all was dismayed, 

 To Thatcham wood hence, and to Wollington then, 

 The steep hill he had climbed, but was stopp'd by 



the men. 

 Through Shaw woods he passed, leapt the Major's 



high wall, 

 And seemed to say — little I value you all. 



By bushes and groves up to Donnington Bourns, 

 Tom Stanbroke and Wildface kept leading by turns. 

 The earth it was open, but Reynard was stout 

 And could have got in, but he chose to keep out. 

 To Squire Henshaw's Palace away then he flew, 

 And at Winterbourne Common we had him in view ; 

 He shot through the village, and thinking no harm, 

 He pass'd by us all up to Winterbourne Farm. 



Through Chaddleworth Woods like an arrow he 



passed. 

 And came to the village of Catmore at last ; 

 There cunningly Reynard jumped into the Church, 

 And thought he had left all the dogs in the lurch. 

 But soon to his cost, he perceived that no bounds 

 Could stop the pursuit of the staunch mettled hounds ; 

 His policy here did not serve him a rush. 

 Five couple of hounds were hard at his brush. 



" I'll recover the ground," to himself then he cried, 

 But 'ere he could reach to the farmer's backside. 

 He found both of speed and of cunning a lack, 

 Being waylaid and killed by the rest of the pack. 

 At his death there were present all those I have sung, 

 Save Johnny, who riding a jackass was flung. 

 Thus ended at last a most capital chace 

 That lasted five hours and ten minutes space. 



