THE OLD SORT. 31 



Oh, what is the secret contained in the chase 



That knits men so firmly, and binds 

 Them closely together ; and lends them such grace 

 In all things pertaining to hunting? The base 



Of hunting is kindness ; it finds 



Us out at each point, and each turn of the game : 



The farmer who lends us the land ; 

 The owners of coverts, with them it's the same- 

 One courtesy runs through the whole, and the aim 



Is to form an harmonious band. 



And what of the hunter, and what of the hound 



So noble, so gentle, and true ? 

 ' lis kindness directs every action and bound ; 

 While the cheer of the huntsman, that musical sound, 



Has a ring of true sympathy too. 



And such was our friendship — we knew not of strife ; 



A friendship both firm and sincere ; 

 It comes to me still, when the moments are rife 

 With action in chase — still he rides as in life, 



With his hounds flying on to the cheer. 



