BILLESDEN COPLOW POEM. 203 



In short, such dilemmas, such scrapes, such distress. 



One fox ne'er occasion'd, the knowing confess. 



But, alas ! the dilemmas had scarcely began, 



On for Wigstou and Ayleston he resolute ran, 



Wliere a few of the stoutest now slacken'd and panted, 



And many were seen irretrievably planted. 



The high road to Leicester the scoundrel then cross'd. 



As Tell-tale* and Beaufremont+ found to their cost ; 



And Villiers esteem'd it a serious bore. 



That no longer could Shuttlecock t fly as before ; 



Even Joe Miller's § spirit of fun was so broke, 



That he ceased to consider the run as a joke. 



Then streaming away, o'er the river he splash'd, — 



Gerraaine close at hand, off the bank Melon || dash'd. 



Why so stout proved the Dun, in a scamper so wild ? 



Till now he had only been rode by a Child. ^ 



After him plunged Joe Miller with Musters so slim, 



Who twice sank, and nearly paid dear for his whim. 



Not reflecting that all water Melons must swim. 



Well soused by their dip, on they brush'd o'er the bottom. 



With liquor on board, enough to besot 'em. 



But the villain no longer at all at a loss, 



Stretch'd away like a d 1 for Enderby Gorse : 



Where meeting with many a brother and cousin, 



Who knew how to dance a good hay in the furzen ; 



Jack Eaven** at length coming up on a hack. 



That a farmer had lent him, whipp'd off" the game pack. 



Eunniug sulky, old Loadstoneft the stream would not swim, 



No longer sport proving a magnet to him. 



Of mistakes and mishaps, and what each man befell. 



Would the muse could with justice poetical tell ! 



Bob Grosvenor on Plush :J:+ — though determined to ride — 



Lost at first a good start, and was soon set aside ; 



Though he charged hill and dale, not to lose this rare chase. 



On velvet, Plush could not get a footing, alas ! 



To Tilton sail'd bravely Sir Wheeler O'Cuff, 



Where neglecting, through hurry, to keep a good luff. 



To leeward he drifts — how provoking a case ! 



And was forced, though reluctant, to give up the chase. 



* Mr. Forester's horse. g Mr. Germaine's horse, 



t Mr. MaHdock's horse. ^f Formerly Mr. Child's. 



X Lord Villiers' horse. ** The name of the huntsman. 



5 Mr. Musters' horse. ft The huntsman's horse, 



tj Mr. Robert Grosvenor's horse. 



