24 HISTORY OF THE YORK AND A IN STY HUNT. 



Now Sempstress, my bitch, have at him again, 



And soon he shall find all his efforts are vain. 



In BrafFerton Spring long disdaining to stay. 



Right over the common he's hoUoa'd awa}' ; 



And such a head carried as fairly beat all, 



Till within a short space of Thirkleby Hall.' 



The check they then met with gave time to the rear. 



To recover their wind from a burst so severe ; 



But a minute could scarcely the vacancy fill. 



Ere a holloa was heard towards Hambleton Hill. 



' On a prince of the blood, though of Russia's race, 

 Gay Martin' appears 'mongst the first in the chase; 

 Yet from riding so hard, should his favourite flag. 

 His tongue will not fail an excuse for his nag ; 

 And though strange it appears, perhaps you may not know it, 

 'Tis a privilege granted to him as a poet. 



' Now Treacher,' depending on bottom and speed. 

 Seems determined to try famed Arabia's breed ; 

 And though once on the plains of Newmarket he flew. 

 And a forfeit received, to his excellence due, 

 Yet I'm greatly afraid, on this glorious day, 

 That himself must the forfeit to foxhunting pay. 



' Though with others' misfortunes it's cruel to jest, 

 I could not but laugh at my friend, Francis Best ;^ 

 From his fall I was happy to find him no worse. 

 For, like Richard, he only exclaimed for his horse ; 

 But wherefore repine r for 't has always been known. 

 That rulers have sometimes a way of their own. 



' Now sobbing and panting and heaving for breath, 

 Just trying to live, and be in at the death ; 



(i) Thirkleby Hall was the seat of Sir Robert Frankland Russell. 



(2) The Hon. Martin Hawke was uncle to the Lord Hawke. His horse's 

 name was Prince Brangradion, but doubtful whether of so hardy a race as his 

 namesake. 



(3) Treacher was an officer in the Life Guards, residing- in London. His 

 horse, by an Arabian, was called Sweepstakes, it is supposed from the circum- 

 stances of his receiving two forfeits at Newmarket. Mr. Treacher afterwards 

 hunted the country one season. 



(4) Rev. Francis Best, of North Dalton. His fall happened at a very small 

 ditch. Poor Ruler. ' Optiinus tile est, qui minimus urgetur." 



