A POEM. 29 



For in the course of sporting you'll observe 

 Ofttimes, a dog whose form will not deserve 

 One word of praise, will act his part so well, 

 Perfection's self might fail his worth t' excel ; 

 And on the contrary, the showiest dog 

 May prove no better than a moving log, 

 Whose worth intrinsic 's not the charge of lead 

 With which in anger you may shoot him dead. 



The Pointer, next in order, I must name, 

 His useful services we gain'd from Spain ; 

 But as his broad and heavy limbs were found 

 But ill contrived for getting o'er the ground 

 With speed sufficient any Shots to please, 

 Who'd have a dog quarter a field with ease, 

 While they but to the centre slowly walk, 

 And of sport, past and present, freely talk ; 

 The Foxhound's blood was us'dt'increase his speed, 

 When from their slowness thus the breed was freed, 

 To own a better dog one had not need. 

 c 3 



