A POEM. 149 



Better than such the fam'd Red-House can give ? 

 And for my own part, I would quite as lief 

 Shoot from the trap ; and also should suppose, 

 Than have the risings close beneath their nose, 

 Most would : but say these slaughterers not so, 

 We'd rather shoot at game, if you must know. 

 Yet quantity, it must not be forgot, 

 Is not the aim of Sportsmen ; the best Shot, 

 If of the genuine breed, takes most delight 

 To see his dogs act well, and ever right 

 In field or wood ; the former quarter'd well 

 By his stanch Pointers ; ev'ry shady dell 

 And matted covert, where the birds delight, 

 Well ransack'd (and each tenant cheer his sight) 

 By Spaniels, broken within range to ply 

 Their ground, and tutor'd even to outvie 

 The two legg'd substitutes, to spring the game, 

 Oftener than they, in favor of the aim. 

 A dozen shots hard earn'd, much greater pleasure 

 Afford the Sportsman, and beyond measure, 



