THE FATHER OF MODERN HUNTING 



Life's motley drama calls for powers, and men 



Of different casts, to fill its changeful scene ; 



But all the merit that we justly prize, 



Not in the part, but in the acting- lies, 



And as the lyre, so may the huntsman's horn 



Fame's trumpet rival and his name adorn." 



These lines had become, in the process of years, almost 

 illegible on Hoitt's tomb ; but I believe, owing to the 

 care and exertions of the vicar, they have now been 

 restored. 



Looking back into the misty ages of the past, we 

 discern in the stern figure of Duke William of 

 Normandy the first great inspirer of hunting, as, 

 codified, recast, and provided with rules and a seemly 

 language of its own, it became for long centuries 

 understood and practised. We owe, in truth, much 

 to the Normans. Somervile, himself the descendant 

 of Norman stock, and as enthusiastic a sportsman as 

 the Conqueror, gave to his generation the precepts and 

 practise of modern hunting, and has left for all time 

 pictures of the chase which can never be surpassed. 

 He deserves, surely, if any one man is worthy of it, 

 the title of " The Father of Modern Hunting." 



219 



