34 THE OLD BERKS HUNT 



Knock down for my Lady another Woodcock. 



The last (she declares) was so good that you brought 



her, 

 For another, the same, it has made her mouth water. 

 When we've finished our bottle a rubber of whist 

 To pass through the evening may sometimes assist ; 

 With a tune on the Harp and the Violincello, 

 On which Signor Crosdillo doth much excello ; 

 For whether he's sober or whether he's mellow, 

 I think in the world he's not got his fellow. 

 His " Brave Boys " he brings forth with so charming 



a tone. 

 Its a pity he has no brave boys of his own ^ 

 So superior a genius as his to inherit, 

 Such, taste, execution, expression, and spirit, 

 Not to mention on other occasions his merit. 



At tea if you're sleepy, to bed you may steal 

 Without supping, for supper's an unwholesome meal ; 

 Should you chance to be hungry, some oysters and 



cheese, 

 With a good tiff of Punch, you may have if you 



please ; 

 Or anything else this house can produce, 

 Dear Sir, You may freely command for your use. 

 This is said in good earnest, as sure as a Gun, 

 By your very Affectionate Friend 



Abingdon. 



Rycot House was built by Lord Williams 

 of Thame, who entertained Queen Elizabeth 

 there. Sir Henry Norris, ist Baron Norris 

 of Rycot, married Lord Williams' daughter, 

 Margery. The house is said to have had 

 stabling for one hundred horses. 



Happy gatherings those must have been 



