FOX-HUNTING. 41 



thrust upon him. He must ride ; it was expected 

 from him. Noblesse oblige ! he hates it, but he must 

 do it. It embitters his life, but he dare not sacrifice 

 the reputation. The eyes of Europe are upon him, 

 as he thinks ; and so, though in mortal fear during 

 the most part of every hunting day, he endures it. 

 He suffers, and is strong. Each day requires from 

 him some feat of daring for the edification of the 

 field ; and he does it, usually executing it in sight of 

 the whole field, when hounds are running slowly, 

 charging some big fence, which there is no real 

 necessity for jumping, at full speed, and shutting his 

 eyes as he goes over. The county analyst, if called 

 upon to examine the contents of the various flasks 

 carried by the field, would pronounce this gentleman's 

 sherry or brandy to be less diluted with water than 

 any one else's. Honour to him ! If you feel no fear, 

 what credit to ride boldly ? But if you really " funk," 

 and ride boldly, this is to be brave indeed. 



Then among the more passive class of riders 

 comes the man who goes in entirely for " a sporting 



