THE HISTORY OF THE BELVOIR HUNT 



Badminton hunts were in full swing, and there were eight or 

 ten other packs kept by noblemen or wealthy landowners 

 which had considerable fame, while George HI. was hunting 

 the carted deer in the neighbourhood of Windsor. By 1770 

 the examples of Mr. Meynell and Lord Granby had shown 

 that the sport of fox-hunting was as well suited to the man of 

 fashion, of culture, and of affairs, as it was to the sportsman 

 of the Squire Western type, and its popularity was henceforth 

 assured. 



The following lines refer to the baldness of Lord Granby, 

 which was the subject of many jokes among friends and 

 foes alike. 



On the Marquis of Granby's Losing his Hat, and 

 Charging the French Lines Bare-headed. 



AN ODE. 



" Where's now Othellds hairbreadth scapes, 

 And all his fancy'd hardships of the field ? 

 Avaunt ! ye mimic, bug-bear shapes, 

 Shadows must to substance yield. 



Granby hath more horrors seen, 

 By greater perils been beset ; 

 Death and Granby thrice have met, 



And not an hair between. 

 The Frenchmen star'd, as well they might, 

 Threw down their arms, and took to flight ; 

 His naked poll more terror bore. 

 Than Ccesar armour'd o'er and o'er. 



' Parbleu ! ' says one, 



'But I'll be gone, 



This is the devil of a Don ! 

 'Tis Father Time ! I know his pate ; 

 And that's his scythe as sure as fate.' 



Granby, who loves a little fun, 



And knew the cause which made them run, 



Thus the tim'rous foe bespoke 



(By way of keeping up the joke), 



' But, gentlemen . . . Hollo ! I say . . . 

 Take nothing but yourselves away ; 

 Ye carry now the jest too far ; 

 Are these your tricks and spoils of war ? 



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