50 THE AGE OF HAWKING. 



cultivation of waste lands, has probably contributed as 

 much as anything to the decline of falconry in England. 



During the age in which Shakespeare lived, the sport 

 was at its height, and it is, therefore, not surprising that 

 he has taken much notice of it in his works, and has 

 displayed a considerable knowledge on the subject. 



In the second part of King Henry VI. Act 2, we find a 

 scene laid at St. Alban's, and the King, Queen, Gloster, 

 Cardinal, and Suffolk appearing, with falconers halloaing. 

 We quote that portion of the scene which refers more 

 particularly to the sport : — 



'• Queen. Believe me, lords, for flying at the brook, 



I saw not better sport these seven years' day : 

 Yet, by your leave, the wind was very high ; 

 And, ten to one, old Joan* had not gone out. 



King. But what a point, my lord, your falcon made, 

 And what a pitch she flew above the rest ! — 

 To see how God in all his creatures works ! 

 Yea, man and birds are fain of climbing high. 



Snff. No marvel, an it like your majesty, 



My lord protector's hawks do tower so well ; 

 They know their master loves to be aloft, 

 And bears his thoughts above his falcon's pitch. 



Glo. My lord, 'tis but a base ignoble mind 



That mounts no higher than a bird can soar. 



* The name, no doubt, of a favourite falcon. 



