HUNTING DIRECTORY 2S3 



Ancient Method of Stag Hunting. 



hunting at that time might be regarded in the same hght 

 as fox-hunting is viewed at the present day, namely, as 

 superior to all other diversions of the field. 



Of the stag-hunting of former tunes, some idea may 

 he formed from the following : 



The huntsman rose at early morn to track the deer 

 to his lair, and then being sure of his game, returned 

 to the sportsmen ; who, we must suppose, dined at our 

 hour of breakfasting, and afterwards hied them to the 

 chase. 



" I am the hunt, which rathe and earely rise, 



(My botlell filde with wine in any wise) 



Two draughts I drinke, to stay my steps withall, 



For each foote one, because I would not fall. 



Then take my hound, in liara me behind. 



The stately hart in fryth or fell to find. 



And whiles I seeke his slotte where he hath fedde, 



The sweet byrdes sing, to cheare my drowsie head. 



And when my hound doth straine upon good vent, 



I must confesse, the same doth me content. 



But when I hauc my couerts walkt about, 



And harbred fast, the hart for comming out ; 



Then I returne, to make a graue report, 



Whereas I find th' assembly doth resort. 



And lowe T crouch, before the lordlings all, 



Out of my home, the fewmets let I fall, 



And other signcs and tokens do I tell, 



To make them hope, the hart may like them well. 



Then they command, that 1 the wine should taste ; 



So biddes mine art — and so my throat I baste. 



The dinner done, I go straightwayes againe, 



Vnto my markes, and shew my master plaine. 



Then put my hound, vpon the view to drawe, 



And rowse the hart out of his layre by lawe. 



O gamsters all, a little by your leaue, 



Can you such ioyes in trifling games conceaue ? 



