FOUR-IN-HAND 211 



teams — their shape, make, colour, and action ; others 

 equally criticized the attitude, skill, or execution of each 

 particular performer ; while all rejoiced at so splendid 

 an exhibition of an enjoyment purely national. 



The subjoined song, which I since penned in my idle 

 moments, and once had the honour of singing before a 

 crowded audience, will give some idea of what the four- 

 in-hand was : — 



SONG. 



{Tune, the " Trotting Horsed) 



I drive the four best spicy prads of any out of town ; 



Well matched for size and colour too, and where's the man to frown ? 



Their heads all up, they step along, at such a splendid rate, 



The pride of all the gazing throng, the envy of the great. 



When I push along, dash along, there's none so good as they, 



All England can't produce their match, I'll bet you, play or pay. 



Near thorough-bred, their action's like four rowers in a boat. 

 So true their step, so fast their pace, so shining every coat ; 

 A pack-thread string will hold them all, so temperate and kind ; 

 And if you only drop your hand, why, they'll outstrip the wind. 



As I push along, &c. 



Dark chestnuts of the rarest stamp, their like was never seen ; 

 All young and sound, from mane to tail no blemishes between ; 

 Their harness neat, and polished bright ; and then the varmint drag. 

 Who would not boast of such a team, of such a turn-out brag ? 



When I push along, &c. 



Now, when all the swells, on Darby-day, to Epsom hurry down. 

 And vie in every style of drag, who most can come it brown ; 

 No sooner on the crowded Downs, with elbows squar'd, I stop. 

 Than nobs, professoi'S, come around, and on their fortune drop. 



When they see me push along, &c. 



Eeturning with our skins w^ell lined, and chaffing's all the go, 

 Dukes, lords, and squires, to pass the throng try everything they 



know. 

 Apollo's son was ne'er so proud, nor half so pleased as I, 

 When, dashing past a host of things, I say, " My lord, good-bye." 



As I push along, &c. 



