A June Festivity 



"The strong table groans 

 Beneath the smoking sirloin, stretch 'd immense 

 From side to side, in which with desperate knife, 

 They deep incision make, and talk the while 

 Of England's glory, ne'er to be defaced 

 While hence they borrow vigour ; or amain 

 Into the pasty plunged, at intervals, 

 If stomach keen can intervals allow, 

 Relating all the glories of the Chase." 



It is a solid meal ; kickshaws are not for such 

 as our guests, and though it is mid-June, many 

 of them would not consider the repast perfect 

 were there not plenty of plum puddings! But 

 the keenest appetite is appeased at last, and 

 plates and dishes give way to glasses replen- 

 ished with good liquor, to pipes and tobacco and 

 to cigars. 



Then the Master proposes the usual loyal 

 toasts, and having drunk the King's health as 

 the best of sportsmen, the company settles down 

 for an afternoon's enjoyment. After a little 

 time has been spent and the glasses have been 

 filled again, the Master proposes the health of 

 the keepers. He tells them he enjoys their 

 sport as well as his own, and proceeds to en- 

 large on the many good services which the Hunt 



receives from them, and he couples the toast 



207 



