A POEM, 



119 



I'd here remark, if such should be the case, 



Yourself or friend should own an extra brace 



Of dogs, now set them off; besides the rest 



The first will thus obtain, you'll find 'tis best, 



Particularly if you must re^-try 



The self-same ground, for not unfrequently 



The morning dogs unwillingly retrace 



Their former tracks, and signally efface 



Their matin laurels, when they'd mayhap astound 



Even their masters, over untried ground. 



What means all this 1 the lab'rers, hats in hand, 

 With speaking, countenances round you stand ; 

 'Tis largess that they crave, but once a year 

 September comes ; what you may give, ne'er fear 

 Is well bestow'd, most like 't has been their care 

 To mark some birds ; grateful they tell you where 

 A covey you may find, and thus I've known 

 A bad day's sport retriev'd, tho' late 't has grown. 



