A POEM, 



103 



Thus ' Sir, if you please to take the trouble 



To let the dogs o'errun this bit of stubble 



I've seen them many mornings rise from here, 



And that you'll have a point there's not a fear ; 



I'll take my station on this little mount, 



Will mark them in, and those that 'scape will count.' 



Before you hie them off, be sure you mind 



In ranging e'er, their noses meet the wind, 



If not, they'll oft run up and past their game, 



In either case the dogs are not to blame. 



Better to walk round twenty fields, I say, 



To face the breeze, than throw a chance away ; 



For that you will, if this you fail to do 



So 'tis a golden rule worth 'tending to. 



This done, they start and eager snuff the gale, 



And soon your voice is heard, your friend to hail. 



* Toko /' a steady point, now no flurry, 



Calmly full-cock your gun; mind, no hurry, 



Keep yourself cool ; they'll surely 'scape their death 



If you your triggers pull when out of breath. 



