38 The Old Surrey Fox Hounds 



" How the voice of old Tom in mine ear still resounds, 

 As he cheers to the pack of the Old Surrey hounds. 

 Though I oft ride with others, ne'er shall I meet 

 A huntsman who can with thee, Tom, compete. 



At the find what a cheer from old Tom rends the sky, 

 Such a cheer e'en to equal in vain you may try. 

 When you hear that cheer you'll be sure there's no blunder ; 

 It seems to a fox like some horrible thunder. 



From his kennel he jumps with a terrible start. 

 Again that old cheer says it's time to depart. 

 So, with shake of the pate and a whisk of the brush, 

 In his mind he determines to make a good push. 



But vain are thine efforts, sly reynard, to fly 

 From the sound of that voice, though with terror you try, 

 For, permit me to tell you, between you and me, 

 That, for cunning, old Tom is an equal with thee. 



When the hounds are at check, and you think yourself sure, 



Again let me say that you're never secure, 



For old Tom, with a cast either forward or back, 



If the scent's at all good, is soon on your track. 



You seek for his pity, but seek it in vain ; 

 No pity do villains like you ever gain. 

 Foot-weary and tired, too shocking to state, 

 Poor Charlie, you yield yourself up to your fate." 



It is interesting to note that these verses are signed : "by 

 W. Mortimer, junior," and are dated 23 December, 1854. 



We may also mention appropriately here that we feel 

 rather proud of our frontispiece. It gives an admirable 

 representation of Tom Hills in the midst of his hounds. 

 He is mounted on a favourite hunter, which carried him 

 through many brilliant runs ; with him are Morris and 



