THE FATHER OF MODERN HUNTING 



It is an excellent picture, curious by reason of the fact 

 that Somervile, himself a landlord, has a sly nudge at 

 his class. He paints the joys of a hunting morning, 

 the meet, and the throw off : 



" See where they spread 



And range around, and dash the glitt'ring dew. 

 If some staunch hound, with his authentic voice 

 Avow the recent trail, the jostling 1 tribe 

 Attend his call, then with one mutual cry 

 The welcome news confirm, and echoing hills 

 Repeat the pleasing tale. See how they thread 

 The brakes, and up yon furrow drive along ! " 



A hare is found in her form. Without noise or clamour, 

 for in hare-hunting quiet is essential, the huntsman, as 

 the hare is put softly from her seat, brings up his jolly 

 hounds, and lays them on, and away with a burst of 

 music they scour in hot pursuit. 



" Now, my brave youths, 



Stripp'd for the chase, give all your souls to joy ! 

 See how their coursers, than the mountain roe 

 More fleet, the verdant carpet skim, thick clouds 

 Snorting they breathe, their shining hoofs scarce print 

 The grass unbruis'd ; with emulation fir'd 

 They strain to lead the field, top the barr'd gate, 

 O'er the deep ditch exulting bound, and brush 

 The thorny-twining hedge : the riders bend 

 O'er their arched necks, with steady hands by turns 

 Indulge their speed, or moderate their rage. 

 Where are their sorrows, disappointments, wrongs, 

 Vexations, sickness, cares ? All, all are gone, 

 And with the panting winds lag far behind. " 



It is a fine picture ! Now Somerville directs himself 

 to the minutiae of the chase and the nature of the hare's 

 tactics. 



" Huntsman ! her gait observe ; if in wide rings 

 She wheel her mazy way, in the same round 

 Persisting still, she'll foil her beaten track, 

 But if she fly, and with the fav'ring wind 

 Urge her bold course, less intricate thy task : 

 Push on thy pack." 



213 



