SOME WELL-KNOWN SUPPORTERS. 23 



So easy his seat, nor presume we to mock it, 



When we warn him 'gainst chucking his neck from its socket. 



On his favourite mare there's the dangerous Joe, 



'And rattling Tom Dayi-ell, whom all of us know'; 



A true Marston Moor zealot, who'd charge his own church 



Much rather than risk being left in the lurch. 



Then Ridsdale appears, pressing on in the van, 



And ne'er turning the head of rejected Sedan ; 



Never known from a brook or a bullfinch to swerve. 



See him smoothly creep on, — the true pattern of nerve. 



A prime workman we hail, too, on yon mealy nag, 



Who'll lead them a dance ere they reach Brocket Hag ; 



Whatsoe'er be the pace, not a binder he breaks. 



Though distinguished of old as the Swan-with-two-Necks. 



There's no check, not a pause, they're increasing their speed. 



Not a tail-hound the gallantest horse to impede. 



Bill Scott, half persuaded he's riding a race, 



Lays Ainderby out at a good four-mile pace ; 



And that miracle Wyndham, his poor mare must smother. 



In spite of their contract to carry each other. 



Johnny Forde, too, though placed in the very first flight, 



Can't help cursing the oysters he'd eat overnight ; 



And fearing that Paddy can scarcely get on, 



Now the scales have pronounced him a good thirteen stone. 



But what horse in the front rank refuses so flat ? 



'Tis Tom Gascoigne, we'll swear to the coal-heaver's hat. 



See, his cousins brush past him, nor notice dare take, 



While the credit of Hawke and the Badsworth's at stake. 



Par nubile fratntni I — but Parlington still 



Sends another you'll mark by his loose deshabille; 



Yes, on Dobbin the generous Dick's crowding sail, — ■ 



Hair, neckcloth, reins, ribands, all loose in the gale. 



Now Lloyd makes his start, nor need longer delay. 



Having counted his sons, and his hounds all away ; 



He ne'er finds the fence that he scruples to face. 



Though he'll not be seduced into quickening his pace ; 



For he knows well of old, on £i high scenting morn. 



That his horse is more easy to blow than his horn. 



