300 MODERN PIG-STICKING 



II 



When dayspring's light first crowns each height, 



And tips the diamond dew, 

 We quick bestride our steeds of pride 



To scour the jungle through ; 

 With loosened rein the jovial train 



Slow to the cover throng 

 And wouldn't stir ■v\'ithout a spur 



To coax their nags along. 

 We high uprear the glittering spear, 



Far flashing to the sky. 

 With hope elate anticipate 



To see the wild boar die. 

 To such bright hopes e'en misanthropes 



Would pledge a bumper here, 

 And fill their cup and drain it up 



To Saddle, Spur, and Spear. 



Ill 



'Twere vain to tell the magic spell 



That fires the hunter's eye 

 When shout and roar have roused the boar 



And stirred him from his sty : 

 His rage at first, his glorious burst. 



Dark dashing through the flood, 

 His bristly might, his meteor flight. 



And his death of foam and blood ; 

 He that hath been in such a scene 



That scene can ne'er forget : 

 In sorrow's mood, in solitude. 



Its dream "svill haunt him yet ; 

 'Mid festal times, in other climes, 



He'll think of days so dear. 

 And fill his cup and drain it up 



To Gallant horse and Spear. 



IV 



But, while I sing, Time's rapid wing 



This lesson seems to teach : 

 The joy and bliss of sport like this 



Are still within our reach. 



