130 SHOOTING: 



A certain fate, if longer he remain'd, 

 Aloft he soars : the Sportsman's wish is gain'd. 

 His shining plumes how glorious to behold ! 

 The splendid purple mix'd with orient gold. 

 As perpendicular he wings his flight, 

 Who can conceive a much more brilliant sight ? 

 His noisy cackle, as he quick ascends, 

 Dumbfounds the Tyro ; and full often tends 

 The victim's life to save, if eagerly 

 The youngster fires ; nor will he dare deny 

 That vex'd he gazes at his even flight, 

 Majestic sailing on in splendour bright, 

 Unscath'd. Never repine ; none but a dunce 

 Would e'er expect t' accomplish that at once, 

 Which none before had done. If you'd succeed, 

 This plain direction you will only need 

 With care to follow : let him upwards soar, 

 But pay not your respects to him before 

 Away he flies ; but then the compliment 

 Must quick as lightning after him be sent ; 



