CHAPTER X 



THE RENDEZVOUS 



As we top the last-mentioned rise and look down 

 on the scene in front, what strikes us ? 



First, perhaps, Why te- Melville's most appropriate 

 words — 



" Sportsmen arriving from left and from right, 



Bridle-roads bringing them, see how they gather, 

 Dotting the meadows in scarlet and white, 

 Foot-people staring and horsemen preparing." 



The whole joyous scene put before us in four 

 short lines ! 



Or perhaps, certainly if we have read our Beck 

 ford, Somerville's lines may be in our minds — 



" .... Delightful scene ! 

 Where all around us is gay, men, horses, dogs. 

 And in each smiling countenance appears 

 Fresh blooming health and universal joy." 



Why does Somerville spoil it by writing dogs 

 instead of hounds ? 



Beckford, who quotes him so much, gives us the 



answer when he says — 



" Our friend Somerville, I apprehend, was no great 



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