THE OLD TIMES. 29 



claret placed in the stag's mouth, and, after drinking 



several proper healths, they went in good order to 



their respective beds at two o'clock, and dined with 



Sir Thomas next day on a haunch of this noble 



creature and about fifty dishes of the greatest rarities, 



among which were, with several others, black grouse. 



Master, his brother, and Mr. Brutton rode extremely 



bold, and were in at the death of the stag. They set 



out for Bradfield to-morrow evening, and as Sir 



Thomas has given master one haunch which weighs 



thirty-six pounds and a quarter, he desires you will 



dine with him on Thursday at Bradfield. I must now 



conclude, Sir Thomas having given notice of another 



stag, equally good as this I have described, in Broc- 



keridge Wood, for which place the gentlemen are now 



setting out, and I am, Sir, your most obedient humble 



servant, 



"J. Rich, 



" Park-keeper to Courtenay Walrond, Esquire. 



" P. S. — You are desired to bring with you Mr. 

 Brutton, the hatter, and Mr. Drake, a doctor of 

 Exeter. You may invite likewise, if you please, any 

 other friend of yours. 



" There were at the chase more than 500 horse and 

 1,000 foot." 



