1845.] OF HAMPSHIRE. 195 



The club was established mainly through 

 the exertions of Mr. Delme Radcliffe, who 

 framed the rules. On the night of the first 

 Hunt dinner at the Crown Inn, Bishop's Wal- 

 tham, January 4th, 1831, the following song 

 was composed and sung by Mr. Radcliffe : 



THE HAMBLEDON HUNT. 



Now the frost is all gone, and we're happily met 

 To debate on the true science over our wet ; 

 Fill a bumper all round, let us jovially sing 

 Hurra! for the Hambledon! — long live our King!* 



Fill up your glass, every man ; 



He is an ass who won't hunt if he can. 



We are all truly loyal, for every one knows 

 A fox-hunter is loyal wherever he goes ; 

 And I'm sure, round this table, we all are agreed, 

 We've a King well adapted for taking the lead. 

 Fill tip, &c. 



To such a King's honour it greatly redounds, 

 That his rein chiefly tends to direct him to hounds ; 

 But as Kings are not subject alone to my pen, 

 I'll now give you a touch at a few of his men. 

 Fill up, &c. 



To begin with a scion of such a good stock, 

 Prince Dickf is a varmint young chip of the block, 

 He will face any fence at his father's command, 

 So let's hope that his days may be long in the land. 

 Fill up, &c. 



- As the pride of our country, by all 'tis confest, 

 That our Greenwoods in winter appear to the best ; 

 Either Colonel or Captain, whatever they ride, 

 Will get over a church and the steeple beside. 

 Fill up, &c. 



From Hill-place comes George Butler, unlikely to fail 

 In maintaining his place on the Mil or the vale ; 

 On his old Irish horse he would ne'er be too late 

 At the right side of Staken, bound hedge, stile, or gate. 

 Fill up, &c. 



* Mr. King, master of the Hambledon hounds, 

 f Prince Dick, Mr. King's heir apparent. 



o 2 



