A POEM. 107 



But for long Shots, there's absolutely need 

 To level high, or you will not succeed. 

 The birds that left-ward fly are miss'd the least, 

 As you'll soon find, that 'tis the easiest 

 Direction that the gun can be controll'd ; 

 But either way, it can't too oft be told 

 The Novice, that unless the piece he moves 

 As with the bird it were, but fruitless proves 

 Th' attempt. Theory is well, but the fact is, 

 It ever must give place to fair practice ; 

 But when both are combin'd, then any man 

 Must learn much more than set down here I can ; 

 But rest assur'd, that more, aye, many more 

 Are miss'd from being behind than being before ; 

 Fear not to hold too forward, and you will 

 Be on the safest side, and surely kill 

 A greater number. Of the needful art 

 Of shooting flying Books can not impart 

 More than these gen'ral rules ; the rest by time 

 And patient practice, we alone define. 



