1 88 THE OLD BERKS HUNT 



While Rival's portrait, on the wall, 



Shall oft to memory recall 



The gallant fox, the burning scent, 



The leaps they lept, the pace they went ; 



How Whimsey led the pack at first, 



When Reynard from the woodside burst, 



How Pamela, a puppy hound, 



First seized him struggling on the ground ; 



How Prudence shunned the taint of hare, 



Taught young in life to have a care ; 



How Alderman, a foxhound staunch, 



Worked well upon an empty paunch ; 



How Squires were following thee, upset, 



Right honourable Baronet ; 



How as the pack by Lechdale flew, 



Where close and thick the fences grew. 



Three bitches led the tuneful throng, 



All worthy of a place in song. 



Old Fairplay, ne'er at skirting caught, 



And Pensive, speeding quick as thought. 



While Handsome proved the adage true, 



They handsome are that handsome do. 



Then long may courteous Redesdale live : 

 And oft his pack such gallops give ! 

 Should fox again so stoutly run, 

 May I be there and see the fun. 



R. E. E. Warburton, 1845. 



Another fox had given remarkably good 

 runs from Tar Wood with the Old Berkshire 

 hounds between 1841 and 1844. The covert 

 was at that time looked after by that fine old 

 sportsman, the late Mr. Nathaniel Blake, and 

 his son Mr. John Blake, who knew the fox 



