67 
THE TRIPPER AND THE RESIDENT. 
(Vide the recent correspondence in the “ Field ’’ and the “ Spectator.") 
The sun was shining brilliantly, 
Shining with all his might ; 
He did his very best to make 
The Forest gay and bright. 
And birds and beasts on ev’ry hand 
Rejoiced in warmth and light. 
The trees were green as green could be, 
The heath was dry as dry. 
The rabbits, deer, and other beasts 
Lay low when folk went by. 
But this was natural, because 
Wild things are always shy. 
The Tripper and the Resident 
Were walking close at hand, 
They grieved like anything to see 
So desolate a land. 
“ If it were only full of life” — 
They said — “ it would be grand.” 
“ If seven miles could be enclosed 
And stocked with various deer. 
Do you suppose ” — the Tripper said — 
“ That you could keep them here? ” 
“ I doubt it,” said the Resident, 
“ The gipsies are too near.” 
The Tripper and the Resident 
Walked on a mile or so, 
And then they rested on a bank 
Conveniently low ; 
While all the dogs they’d brought with them 
Went hunting too and fro. 
“ We’ve come some way,” the Tripper cried, 
“ And talked of many things, 
But I’yc not seen a hawk, or jay. 
Or little bird that sings, 
No squirrel, woodpecker, nor game. 
Nor anything with wings.” 
“Nov/ listen,” said the Resident, 
“ I have a famous plan. 
We’ll do away with Verderers 
And all that foolish clan ; 
Then let the nation appoint 
Some really able man.” 
