I04 HIGHWAYS AND HORSES. 



The author's name is not mentioned. The village 

 in this case is Hounslow. 



THE DESERTED VILLAGE. 



" Quantum mutatus ab illo." 



Hail, Hounslow ! primest town upon the road, 

 AVhere coaching once in all its glory showed; 

 Where careful drivers might be always found 

 Keady when ostlers called to " Bring 'em round." 

 The member rattling up at slapi;ing pace, 

 To ease his conscience, or secure a place ; 

 The maiden flying from a guardian's rage, 

 In Hymen's " Union," venturing a stage. 

 These knew no more of anxious fear or doubt. 

 When John the ostler cried, " The first turn out ! " 

 Once, Hounslow, there was many a gallant team, 

 The dragsman's pride, the keeper's fruitful theme. 

 How dashingly they swept up to the well-known door, 

 Where rest awaited when their task was o'er 1 

 On, sleek of coat and deck'd with trappings gay, 

 Bounding they met the labour of the day. 

 Landlord and whip gazed on the thriving trade, 

 And dreamt of fortunes soon and surely made ; 

 For them alike both house and coach filled well, 

 "And all went merry as a marriage bell." 



Once it was thus — another age appears. 



And Hounslow's smiles, alas ! are turn'd to tears ; 



No more is heard the mellow winding horn 



Waking the drowsy slumbers of the morn. 



No spicy "change " now waits for the down mail. 



For, woe is me ! the " Bristol's " on the " rail." 



No longer now is heard the busy din 



In the full yard that marks the prosperous inn ; 



Unheard is now the watching ostler's call ; 



The only " pair " is weary of the stall. 



Silent the joke of " Boots," ne'er known to fail. 



The keeper's whistle and the postboy's tale. 



No waiter now bestirs him for the nonce, 



To answer fifty summonses at once. 



E'en Bessy's self, so long the bar's fair boast. 



The cookmaid's envy, and the bagman's toast ; 



Whose winning smile was so well known to fame. 



That for a ray each traveller duly came ; 



E'en she — so hopeless, Hounslow, is thy case — 



Hath packed her traps and bolted from her place. 



