102 SHOOTING I 



A start now made, close to your heels you scan 

 Your Friend's Factotum, proud to turn marksman, 

 Who, full of glee, will gladly undertake 

 To find the birds, and tell the flight they'll make ; 

 And if you trust in him, his anxious care 

 Will be to take you where they plentiest are. 

 With empty game bag o'er his shoulders hung, 

 None more rejoices when the day is done 

 To see it fill'd ; as far as it may rest 

 On his exertions (for he'll do his best) 

 The thing is done ; he takes as much delight 

 To see a covey rise, and at the sight 

 Of death exults, e'en quite as much as you, 

 Or any other Sportsman need to do. 

 With joyous mirth his brawny frame he loads 

 Still on, and not a single care corrodes 

 His faithful breast ; he seems the most at ease 

 When most his services his master please. 

 Known to each other long, uncheck'd he gives 

 Advice his "Governor" with thanks receives : 



