SHOOTING: 



HAIL ! kindly Muse, and aid my bold design 

 To paint expectant pleasures in my rhyme ; 

 Assist me to explain, in metre smooth, 

 The simple mysteries of the sport I love : 

 London 's my birth-place, London is my home, 

 Yet for this sport we far from it must roam ; 

 Far from its cares must seek the distant field, 

 In ruddy health our well priz'd guns to wield ; 

 Shooting 's my theme ; no recreation e'er 

 Can with this pastime in my mind compare ; 

 Nor other field-sport will I ever deign 

 T* allow, compares with gunning, in my strain, 

 B 3 



