A POEM. 19 



But it would surely black and blue have been 

 Had nought but card for wadding been between > 

 The shot and powder, thus the gun to clean. 

 Keep your locks always on the half-cock bent, 

 Thus will you oft an accident prevent ; 

 Never with barrel beat a bush or briar, 

 If you'd true sportsmen's company desire ; 

 Nor horizontally so hold the same 

 That they with reason may such conduct blame : 

 Were I to kill or maim a Pal, God knows 

 I ne'er while life remain'd should feel repose, 

 Never again could seek the cheerful field, 

 The bare idea of which remorse must yield ; 

 Were it your case thro' negligence, confess 

 'Twould blast all future hopes and happiness ; 

 Think well of this, let caution be your guide, 

 And o'er your actions let her e'er preside. 

 But on the other hand, it needs your care, 

 Especially when you 'mongst strangers are, 

 To look to number one, and ever glide, 

 If you can manage, to the right hand side ; 



