116 SHOOTING: 



There is another little bird the Quail ; 

 Tho' they are scarce, corn counties seldom fail 

 To harbour some ; tho' they've been known to breed 

 This country in : when from our clime they're freed, 

 And Afric's shores are sought, so plenty they 

 Are found t' increase, that Alexandria 

 Oft in its market-place contains so many 

 That four or five for value of a penny 

 May frequently be bought ; sometimes the crews 

 Of vessels have demurr'd, aye, too, refus'd 

 Longer to feed these dainties on ; 'tis strange, 

 Yet true, (tho' here so fine they're thought) a change 

 They should desire, if but to hard junk beef- 

 To us such liking's almost past belief. 

 They're such pugnacious birds, majestic Rome, 

 And Greece, e'er had them train'd, as we at home 

 Breed game cocks, in the modern pits to fight ; 

 Like pleasure to the ancients gave the sight 

 Of their dire contests ; as they usually, 

 As in our battles, fight until they die. 



