A POEM. 41 



They're then less saleable, and lower priced ; 



Besides, there's time to get familiariz'd 



Before their work begins ; you'll also learn 



Their tempers, which your sport may much concern. 



August's the month the Northerns choose to trade ; 



And many, doubtless, have rich harvests made. 



To the Red House, at Battersea, they steer, 



Which Sportsmen visit at this time of year, 



To gain by practice certainty of aim, 



And faithless hopes to miss no head of game. 



Faithless, I say for many that have got 



A knack of killing almost ev'ry shot 



In this enclosure, will be found to rail 



At their ill luck, when in the field they fail. 



But if you'd wish your gun to exercise, 



By shooting from a trap, I would advise 



Your practising at starlings, which e'er rise 



As partridges, and like them also fly ; 



While sparrows slower are and none deny 



Blue-rocks, than game, speed much more rapidly. 



