Eecords of the Old Charlton Hunt 



because the whelps by steady hounds were gott, 



the Sexes both, must not with age be worn, 



a youthful hound of three years old, well try'd 



for wind and Stoutnefs, and Sagacious nose, 



when North East wind, or frost exhaled leaves 



the Tainted Turfe, or Fox got far before, 



by Cunning turn, the scent by youth orerun, 



when they do wildly stare, or rattling Fly 



to every thing they smell, or takes their Eyes ; 



then he, if backward soon he Casts to try, 



shows innate Judgement, in a hound so young. 



to him, a wise old Female put, who is 



at most but six or seven years, well known 



for finding first, or hitting faults, the same ; 



or to a vnse and aged steady hound, 



in Forreign pack, or in my own remarq'd, 



his Pedigree, and most of all his nose ; 



to him Conjoin a Bitch of two years old, 



whose blood, without a Stain long clean has run, 



altho' no wisdom yet she ere has shown, 



her projeny will answer all his care, 



both Strength, and Beauty, thus will they produce, 



whereas old age, in both will still Deceive his hopes, 



beware another Error, seen too Oft 



in many Sportsmen, when their Youth is past ; 



they breed for speed, when they no more can ride, 



prepostrous thing ! a Boy I could forgive. 



All hounds while Young too hard are apt to run, 

 they lead with Ignorance, and Burst the rest, 

 who breathlefs come, to mend the faults they make ; 



29 



