A POEM. 37 



I'll only add, their characters concerning, 

 They're undeniable as dogs for vermin. 



Spaniels and Terriers bred and broken well, 

 E'er within twenty yards of gun should dwell; 

 You see the obvious reason, and the sense 

 Of this remark, its utmost consequence : 

 It will avail you little, if the game 

 Is sprung at farther distance, for in vain 

 Your trigger's pull'd, as seldom one is slain. 

 They e'er should quest before the game they rise, 

 It's whereabouts their master to apprize, 

 And not give tongue, unless the scent be good, 

 Where'er their business lies, in brake or wood ; 

 Those that unwarrantably make a noise, 

 Are even worse than those without a voice. 

 Mostly 'tis found the hardest task of all, 

 To make them pay a due respect to call ; 

 When, as before I said, they start a hare, 

 'Twould almost make the mildest temper swear, 



