148 The Pytchley Httnt, Past and Present, [chap. iv. 



farmer in 1846^ well sliows the estimation in which the 

 Master of the '' RH/' was held :— 



" A tumbler of punch to the health of George Payne ; 



Come drink, my brave yeomen, the toast ; 

 We prefer it to Burgundy, claret, champagne, 



For a man that's a whole county's boast ! 

 Here's a glass for the high, and a 'go ' for the low, 



Eich and poor will both bid him God speed ; 

 Bv.t we'll drink it in punch, for we very well know 



Whose the foxhunter's friend at his need I 

 There's no brook that's too wide, and no buUliach too high 



When he settles himself in his seat, 

 As he cheers on his hounds in a scent, in full cry. 



And for pace, Sir, be cannot be beat. 

 When his musical notes through Vanderplank ring, 



And Lilbourne resounds to his voice, 

 I care not what rivals old England may bring, 



George Payne is the winner for choice. 

 In a county all grass, and where foxes abound. 



And with farmers so fond of the sport, 

 'T would be sad not to hear the blythe cry of a hound. 



Or forget one of such a good sort. 

 So we'll drink to the health of the man of first flight, 



And the first in the flight is ' George Payne,' 

 And when wanting a sportsman to do what is I'ight, 



We shall know where to find him again." 



END OF THE HISTOEY. 



