28 HISTORY OF THE YORK AND AINSTY HUNT. 



Behold Major Topham,^ so cas'd up in leather, 

 He boldly defies both the wind and the weather ; 

 But though now he is left such a long way behind, 

 He can boast that he saw a most beautiful find ; 

 Then in future, my friend, since you funk at a fall, 

 Pray stick to the lap-dogs of Falconer's Hall. 



' Having now passed a country twelve miles in length. 

 Nor failing in speed, nor lessened in strength, 

 A sight so stupendous at once caught the eye. 

 As scarce can be equall'd 'neath Britain's mild sky. 

 First, see where the sun his bright splendour displays. 

 And gladdens the hills with his all-cheering rays ! 

 Now echo, resounding down Hambleton's vale, 

 In mystic delusion repeats the glad tale, 

 And each gallant hound seems eager t'aspire 

 To the far-famed renown of his glorious sire ; 

 The craggy descent, nor the deep, thorny brake. 

 Can his bold resolution slacken or shake ; 

 In fancy each moment he catches his breath. 

 The long wish'd-for signal of poor reynard's death. 



' How grand was the sight to those fortunate few,^ 

 Who, soaring above, could contemplate the view ! 

 And whilst we enjoy, in the pride of our hearts. 

 That pleasure which nought but the chase e'er imparts, 

 Each pitiful group in the valley below 

 Was destined to suffer the torture of woe. 

 Such ever must happen to those who depend 

 On skirting and craiii^ig t'accomplish the end. 



' Then take this advice, my good friends, ere we part. 

 And deeply engrave it on each hidden heart : — 

 "That to ride well to hounds, and a sportsman be counted, 

 Take care, first of all, to be gallantly mounted ; 

 The eye of a lynx, and the breast of a lion, 

 You should also possess, like the famous Orion. 



(i) Major Topham, of Wold Cottage. Major Topham was a man of note 

 in his day, and some furtlier notes respecting his career will be found later on. 



(2) See ante, page 22, for the names of those who got to the top of 

 Hambleton. 



