THE STRANGER FROM TOWN. lO] 



How everyone turned and took stock of the steed, 

 Almost thoroughbred, and so true to his breed ; 

 A head that was gentle, and generous, and kind, 

 Such strength in the back and such quarters behind. 

 They said at the meet, " He'll be sailing away, 

 This stranger from town on the blood-looking bay." 



And after the hunter they looked at the man : 



" A picture," they said ; " find a fault if you can. 



A gentleman born, it is easy to trace 



The best of blue blood in his features and face." 



But quiet withal, he had little to say, 



The stranger from town on the blood-looking bay. 



We found in the gorse, I will give you my word, 

 He jumped the big gate that was locked like a bird ; 

 Through the best of the vale he went sailing along, 

 The fences were stiff, and the scent it was strong. 

 There were two in the van : one, a man on a grey, 

 And the stranger from town on the blood-looking bay. 



Still plainly I see them, these two in the van, 

 Each rode with a will and each rode like a man ; 

 And one was well known and was always in front, 

 The pick of the country, the pride of the hunt ; 

 Hut there soon came a time when he had to give way 

 To the stranger from town on the blood-looking bay. 



