Of angry Jove, though blasted yet unfallen; Still can my soul in fancy's mirror view Deeds glorious once, recall the joyous scene In all its splendors decked, o'er the full bowl Recount my triumphs past, urge others on With hand and voice, and point the winding way; Pleased with that social, sweet garrulity, The poor, disbanded veteran's sole delight.
HOW TO MAKE AND PLACE A KENNEL; THE MORNING PACK; CLEANLINESS; WATER AND SHADE.
First let the kennel be the huntsman's care, Upon some little eminence erect,
And fronting to the ruddy lawn; its courts On either hand wide opening to receive
The sun's all-cheering beams, when mild he shines, And gilds the mountain-tops; for much the pack, Roused from their dark alcoves, delight to stretch And bask in his invigorating ray.
Warmed by the streaming light, and merry lark, Forth rush the jolly clan; with tuneful throats They carol loud, and in grand chorus joined Salute the new-born day for not alone The vegetable world, but men and brutes Own his reviving influence, and joy
At his approach. Fountain of light! if chance Some envious cloud veil thy refulgent brow, In vain the muse's aid; untouched, unstrung, Lies my mute harp, and thy desponding bard Sits darkly musing o'er the unfinished lay.
Let no Corinthian pillars prop the dome; A vain expense, on charitable deeds
Better disposed, to clothe the tattered wretch Who shrinks beneath the blast, to feed the poor Pinched with afflictive want. For use, not state, Gracefully plain, let each apartment rise. O'er all let cleanliness preside, no scraps Bestrew the pavement, and no half-picked bones To kindle fierce debate, or to disgust That nicer sense on which the sportsman's hope And all its future triumphs must depend.
Soon as the growling pack, with eager joy, Have lapped their smoking viands, morn or eve, From the full cistern lead the ductile streams, To wash thy court well paved, nor spare thy pains; For much to health will cleanliness avail. Seek'st thou for hounds to climb the rocky steep, And brush the entangled covert, whose nice scent O'er greasy fallows and frequented roads Can pick the dubious way? Banish far off Each noisome stench; let no offensive smell Invade thy wide enclosure, but admit The nitrous air and purifying breeze.
Water and shade no less demand thy care. In a large square the adjacent field enclose; There plant, in equal ranks, the spreading elm, Or fragrant lime; most happy thy design, If at the bottom of thy spacious court A large canal, fed by the crystal brook, From its transparent bosom shall reflect Thy downward structure and inverted grove.
Here, when the sun's too potent gleams annoy The crowded kennel; and the drooping pack, Restless and faint, loll their unmoistened tongues, And drop their feeble tails; to cooler shades Lead forth the panting tribes: soon shalt thou find The cordial breeze their fainting hearts revive : Tumultuous soon they plunge into the stream, There lave their reeking sides; with greedy joy Gulp down the flying wave; this way and that From shore to shore they swim, while clamor loud And wild uproar torment the troubled flood: Then on the sunny bank they roll and stretch Their dripping limbs, or else in wanton rings Coursing around, pursuing and pursued, The merry multitude disporting play.
NECESSITY OF DISCIPLINE IN THE KENNEL.
But here with watchful and observant eye Attend the frolics which too often end In bloody broils and death. High o'er thy head Wave thy resounding whip, and with a voice Fierce, menacing, o'errule the stern debate, And quench their kindling rage: for oft, in sport Begun, combat ensues: growling they snarl, Then, on their haunches reared, rampant they seize Each other's throats, with teeth and claws in gore Besmeared; they wound, they tear, till on the ground,
Panting, half-dead, the conquered champion lies: Then sudden all the base, ignoble crowd, Loud-clam'ring, seize the helpless, worried wretch, And, thirsting for his blood, drag different ways His mangled carcass on th' ensanguined plain. O beasts of pity void! to oppress the weak, To point your vengeance at the friendless head, And with one mutual cry insult the fallen! Emblem too just of man's degenerate race.
DOGS SEEK MEDICINAL HERBS. THE DREAMING HOUND.
Others apart, by native instinct led, Knowing instructor! 'mong the ranker grass Cull each salubrious plant, with bitter juice Concoctive stored, and potent to allay Each vicious ferment. Thus the hand divine Of Providence, beneficent and kind To all His creatures, for the brutes prescribes A ready remedy, and is himself
Their great Physician. Now grown stiff with age And many a painful chase, the wise old hound, Regardless of the frolic pack, attends
His master's side, or slumbers at his ease Beneath the bending shade: there many a ring Runs o'er in dreams; now on the doubtful soil Puzzles perplexed, or doubles intricate, Cautious unfolds; then, winged with all his speed, Bounds o'er the lawn to seize his panting prey, And in imperfect whimpering speaks his joy.
VARIOUS USES OF DIFFERENT SPECIES OF HOUNDS. — GOOD POINTS IN A HOUND.
A different hound for every different chase Select with judgment; nor the timorous hare
O'ermatched destroy, but leave that vile offence To the mean, murderous, coursing crew, intent On blood and spoil. O, blast their hopes, just Heaven! And all their painful drudgeries repay With disappointment and severe remorse. But husband thou thy pleasures, and give scope To all her subtle play. By nature led, A thousand shifts she tries; to unravel these The industrious beagle twists his waving tail, Through all her labyrinths pursues, and rings Her doleful knell. See then with countenance blithe, And with a courtly grin, the fawning hound Salutes thee cowering; his wide-opening nose Upwards he curls: and his large, sloe-black eyes Melt in soft blandishments and humbled joy : His glossy skin, or yellow pied, or blue, In lights or shades by Nature's pencil drawn, Reflects the various tints; his rush-grown tail O'er his broad back bends in an ample arch: On shoulders clean, upright and firm he stands; His round cat-foot, straight hams, and wide-spread thighs,
And his low-drooping chest, confess his speed, His strength, his wind, or on the steepy hill, Or far-extended plain; in every part So well proportioned, that the nicer skill Of Phidias himself can't blame thy choice: - Of such compose thy pack. But here a mean Observe, nor the large hound prefer, of size Gigantic; he in the thick-woven covert Painfully tugs, or in the thorny brake, Torn and embarrassed, bleeds; but if too small, The pigmy brood in every furrow swims; Moiled in the clogging clay, panting they lag Behind, inglorious; or else, shivering, creep, Benumbed and faint, beneath the sheltering thorn: For hounds of middle size, active and strong, Will better answer all thy various ends, And crown thy pleasing labors with success.
MODEL THE PACK TO UNIFORMITY, LIKE SOLDIERS.
As some brave captain, curious and exact, By his fixed standard forms in equal ranks His gay battalion, as one man they move Step after step, their size the same, their arms Far gleaming dart the same united blaze : Reviewing generals his merit own; How regular! how just! and all his cares Are well repaid if mighty George approve :So model thou thy pack, if honor touch Thy generous soul, and the world's just applause ; But above all take heed, nor mix the hounds Of different kinds; discordant sounds shall grate Thy ears offended, and a lagging line Of babbling curs disgrace thy broken pack. OTTER HOUND; TALBOT; ITS USE ON THE SCOTS' BORDER THE MOSS TROOPERS.
But if the amphibious otter be thy chase, Or stately stag that o'er the woodland reigns; Or if the harmonious thunder of the field Delight thy ravished ears; the deep-flewed hound
Breed up with care, strong, heavy, slow, but sure : Whose ears, down-hanging from his thick round head, Shall sweep the morning dew; whose clanging voice Awake the mountain echo in her cell,
And shake the forests: the bold Talbot kind Of these the prime, as white as Alpine snows; And great their use of old. Upon the banks Of Tweed, slow-winding through the vale, the seat Of war and rapine once, ere Britons knew The sweets of peace, or Anna's dread commands To lasting leagues the haughty rivals awed, - There dwelt a pilfering race, well trained and skilled In all the mysteries of theft, the spoil Their only substance, feuds and war their sport; Nor more expert in every fraudful art The arch felon was of old, who by the tail Drew back his lowing prize in vain his wiles, In vain the shelter of the covering rock, In vain the sooty cloud and ruddy flames That issued from his mouth for soon he paid His forfeit life; a debt how justly due
To wronged Alcides and avenging Heaven! Veiled in the shades of night they ford the stream, Then prowling far and near, whate'er they seize Becomes their prey; nor flocks nor herds are safe, Nor stalls protect the steer, nor strong-barred doors Secure the favorite horse. Soon as the morn Reveals his wrongs, with ghastly visage wan, The plundered owner stands, and from his lips A thousand thronging curses burst their way: He calls his stout allies, and in a line His faithful hound he leads, then, with a voice That utters loud his rage, attentive cheers; Soon the sagacious brute, his curling tail Flourished in air, low-bending plies around His busy nose, the steaming vapor snuffs Inquisitive, nor leaves one turf untried, Till, conscious of the recent strains, his heart Beats quick; his snuffing nose, his active tail, Attest his joy; then with deep-opening mouth, That makes the welkin tremble, he proclaims The audacious felon foot by foot he marks His winding way, while all the listening crowd Applaud his reasonings. O'er the watery ford, Dry sandy heaths, and stony barren hills, O'er beaten paths, with men and beasts distained, Unerring he pursues, till at the cot Arrived, and seizing by his guilty throat The caitiff vile, redeems the captive prey: So exquisitely delicate his sense!
CAUSES OF SCENT AND SCENTING.
Should some more curious sportsman here inquire Whence this sagacity, this wondrous power Of tracing step by step or man or brute? What guide invisible points out their way O'er the dark marsh, bleak hill, and sandy plain? The courteous muse shall the dark cause reveal. The blood that from the heart incessant rolls In many a crimson tide, then here and there
1 Cacus; see Virgil's Eneid, book viii.
In smaller rills disported, as it flows Propelled, the serous particles evade Through the open pores, and with the ambient air Entangling mix. As fuming vapors rise And hang upon the gently-purling brook, There by the incumbent atmosphere compressed, The panting chase grows warmer as he flies, And through the net-work of the skin perspires, Leaves a long, streaming trail behind, which, by The cooler air condensed, remains, unless By some rude storm dispersed, or rarefied By the meridian sun's intenser heat. To every shrub the warm effluvia cling, Hang on the grass, impregnate earth and skies. With nostrils opening wide, o'er hill, o'er dale, The vigorous hounds pursue, with every breath Inhale the grateful steam, quick pleasures sting Their tingling nerves, while they their thanks repay, And in triumphant melody confess The titillating joy. Thus on the air Depend the hunter's hopes.
SCENT DOES NOT LIE IN STORMY OR EASTERLY WEATHER.
At eve forebode a blustering, stormy day, Or lowering clouds blacken the mountain's brow; With nipping frosts, and the keen, biting blasts Of the dry, parching east, menace the trees With tender blossoms teeming; kindly spare Thy sleeping pack, in their warm beds of straw Low-sinking at their ease! listless they shrink Into some dark recess, nor hear thy voice, Though oft invoked; or haply if thy call Rouse up the slumbering tribe with heavy eyes, Glazed, lifeless, dull, downward they drop their tails Inverted high on their bent backs erect Their pointed bristles stare, or 'mong the tufts Of ranker weeds each stomach-healing plant Curious they crop, sick, spiritless, forlorn. These inauspicious days on other cares Employ thy precious hours; the improving friend With open arms embrace, and from his lips Glean science, seasoned with good-natured wit: But if the inclement skies and angry Jove Forbid the pleasing intercourse, thy books Invite thy ready hand; each sacred page Rich with the wise remarks of heroes old: Converse familiar with the illustrious dead; With great examples of old Greece or Rome Enlarge thy free-born heart, and bless kind Heaven That Britain yet enjoys dear liberty,
That balm of life, that sweetest blessing, cheap, Though purchased with our blood. Well-bred, polite, Credit thy calling. See! how mean, how low, The bookless, sauntering youth, proud of the skut That dignifies his cap, his flourished belt, And rusty couples jingling by his side! Be thou of other mould; and know that such Transporting pleasures were by Heaven ordained Wisdom's relief, and Virtue's great reward.
Of the power of instinct in brutes. Two remarkable instances, in the hunting of the roebuck and in the hare going to seat in the morning. Of the variety of seats or forms of the hare, according to the changes of the season, weather, or wind. Description of the hare-hunting in all its parts, interspersed with rules to be observed by those who follow that chase. Transition to the Asiatic way of hunting, particularly the magnificent manner of the Great Mogul, and other Tartarean princes. A short reproof of tyrants and oppressors. Of King Edgar, and the tribute of wolfs' heads he imposed upon Wales. A transition to fox-hunting, which is described in all its parts. Description of a royal stag-chase in Windsor Forest. Address to his majesty, and an eulogy upon mercy. Otter-hunting. Conclusion in praise of rural life.
INSTINCT; THAT OF THE ROEBUCK AND HARE. Nor will it less delight the attentive sage To observe that instinct which unerring guides The brutal race, which mimics reason's lore, And oft transcends. Heaven-taught, the roebuck Loiters at ease before the driving pack, [swift And mocks their vain pursuit, nor far he flies: But checks his ardor, till the steaming scent That freshens on the blade provokes their rage. Urged to their speed, his weak, deluded foes Soon flag fatigued; strained to excess, each nerve, Each slackened sinew, fails: they pant, they foam : Then o'er the lawn he bounds, o'er the high hills Stretches secure, and leaves the scattered crowd To puzzle in the distant vale below.
"Tis instinct that directs the jealous hare To choose her soft abode. With step reversed She forms the doubling maze; then, ere the morn Peeps through the clouds, leaps to her close recess. As wandering shepherds on the Arabian plains No settled residence observe, but shift Their moving camp; now on some cooler hill, With cedars crowned, court the refreshing breeze; And then below, where trickling streams distil From some penurious source, their thirst allay, And feed their fainting flocks: so the wise hares Oft quit their seats, lest some more curious eye Should mark their haunts, and by dark treacherous
Plot their destruction; or perchance in hopes Of plenteous forage, near the ranker mead Or matted blade wary and close they sit. When Spring shines forth, season of love and joy, In the moist marsh, 'mong beds of rushes hid, They cool their boiling blood. When Summer suns Bake the clift earth, to thick wide-waving fields Of corn full-grown they lead their helpless young; But when Autumnal torrents and fierce rains Deluge the vale, in the dry, crumbling bank Their forms they delve, and cautiously avoid The dripping covert yet when Winter's cold Their limbs benumbs, thither with speed returned, In the long grass they skulk, or shrinking creep Among the withered leaves: thus changing still As fancy prompts them, or as food invites.
But every season carefully observed, The inconstant winds, the fickle element, The wise, experienced huntsman soon may find His subtle, various game, nor waste in vain His tedious hours, till his impatient hounds, With disappointment vexed, each springing lark Babbling pursue, far scattered o'er the fields.
HARE-HUNTING; AUTUMNAL PLENTY AND CHEER; CLASSIC GAMES; THE DAWN; PREPARATIONS.
Now golden Autumn from her open lap Her fragrant bounties showers; the fields are shorn: Inwardly smiling, the proud farmer views The rising pyramids that grace his yard,
And counts his large increase: his barns are stored; And groaning staddles bend beneath their load. All now is free as air, and the gay pack In the rough, bristly stubble range unblamed. No widow's tears o'erflow, no secret curse Swells in the farmer's breast, which his pale lips Trembling conceal, by his fierce landlord awed; But courteous now he levels every fence, Joins in the common cry, and halloos loud, Charmed with the rattling thunder of the field. O bear me, some kind power invisible ! To that extended lawn, where the gay court View the swift racers stretching to the goal; Games more renowned, and a far nobler train, Than proud Elean field could boast of old; O, were a Theban lyre not wanting here, And Pindar's voice, to do their merit right! [eye, Or to those spacious plains where the strained In the wide prospect lost, beholds at last Sarum's proud spire,2 that o'er the hills ascends, And pierces through the clouds: or to thy downs, Fair Cotswold! where the well-breathed beagle climbs,
With matchless speed, thy green, aspiring brow, And leaves the lagging multitude behind.
Hail, gentle Dawn! mild blushing goddess, hail! Rejoiced I see thy purple mantle spread O'er half the skies; gems pave thy radiant way, And orient pearls from every shrub depend.
Farewell, Cleora! here, deep sunk in down, Slumber secure, with happy dreams amused, Till grateful steams shall tempt thee to receive Thy early meal; or thy officious maids, The toilet placed, shall urge thee to perform The important work. Me other joys invite; The horn sonorous calls, the pack awaked Their matins chant, nor brook my long delay; My courser hears their voice: see there! with ears And tail erect, neighing he paws the ground; Fierce rapture kindles in his reddening eyes, And boils in every vein. As captive boys, Cowed by the ruling rod and haughty frowns Of pedagogues severe, from their hard tasks If once dismissed, no limits can contain
12 Salisbury Cathedral; - Stonehenge is on Salisbury Plain.
The tumult raised within their little breasts, But give a loose to all their frolic play; So from their kennel rush the joyous pack; A thousand wanton gayeties express Their inward ecstasy, their pleasing sport Once more indulged, and liberty restored. The rising sun, that o'er the horizon peeps, As many colors from their glossy skins Beaming reflects, as paint the various bow When April showers descend. Delightful scene! Where all around is gay-men, horses, dogs; And in each smiling countenance appears Fresh blooming health, and universal joy.
WHIPPING IN; THROWING OFF THE PACK; PUTTING THEM ON THE SCENT; THEY OPEN IN FULL CRY.-GENERAL EXCITEMENT OF THE CHASE; SCHOOL-BOY, TRAVELLER, PLOUGHMAN, SHEPHERD, VILLAGERS.
Huntsman lead on; behind the clustering pack Submiss attend, hear with respect thy whip Loud clanging, and thy harsher voice obey. Spare not the straggling cur that wildly roves, But let thy brisk assistant on his back Imprint shy just resentment; let each lash Bite to the quick, till howling he return, And whining creep among the trembling crowd. Here on thy verdant spot where Nature kind With double blessings crowns the farmer's hopes, Where flowers autumnal spring, and the rank mead Affords the wandering hares a rich repast, Throw off thy ready pack. See where they spread, And range around, and dash the glittering dew! If some staunch hound, with his authentic voice, Avow the recent trail, the jostling tribe Attend his call, then with one mutual cry The welcome news confirm, and echoing hills Repeat the pleasing tale. See how they thread The brakes, and up yon furrow drive along! But quick they back recoil, and wisely check Their eager haste; then o'er the fallowed ground How leisurely they work, and many a pause The harmonious concert breaks; till, more assured, With joy redoubled the low valleys ring. What artful labyrinths perplex their way! [doubts Ah! there she lies; how close! she pants, she If now she lives: she trembles as she sits, With horror seized. The withered grass that clings Around her head, of the same russet hue, Almost deceived my sight, had not her eyes, With life full beaming, her vain wiles betrayed. At distance draw thy pack; let all be hushed; No clamor loud, no frantic joy, be heard; Lest the wild hound run gadding o'er the plain Untractable, nor hear thy chiding voice. Now gently put her off; see how direct
To her known mew she flies! Here, huntsman, (But without hurry) all thy jolly hounds, And calmly lay them in. How low they stoop And seem to plough the ground! then all at once With greedy nostrils snuff the fuming steam [loose That glads their fluttering hearts. As winds let
From the dark caverns of the blustering god, They burst away, and sweep the dewy lawn. [fear. Hope gives them wings, while she's spurred on by The welkin rings; men, dogs, hills, rocks, and woods,
In the full concert join. Now, my brave youths! Stripped for the chase give all your souls to joy. See how their coursers, than the mountain roe More fleet, the verdant carpet skim! Thick clouds Snorting they breathe, their shining hoofs scarce The grass unbruised; with emulation fired, [print They strain to lead the field, top the barred gate, O'er the deep ditch exulting bound, and brush The thorny-twining hedge: the riders bend O'er their arched necks; with steady hands by turns Indulge their speed, or moderate their rage. Where are their sorrows, disappointments, wrongs, Vexations, sickness, cares? All, all are gone! And with the panting winds lag far behind.
Huntsman! her gait observe; if in wide rings She wheel her mazy way, in the same round Persisting still, she 'll foil the beaten track : But if she fly, and with the favoring wind Urge her bold course, less intricate thy task; Push on thy pack. Like some poor exiled wretch, The frighted chase leaves late her dear abodes, O'er plains remote she stretches far away, Ah, never to return! for greedy Death Hovering exults, secure to seize his prey.
Hark! from yon covert, where those towering Above the humble copse aspiring rise, What glorious triumphs burst in every gale Upon our ravished ears! The hunter's shout, The clanging horns swell their full-winding notes, The pack wide-opening load the trembling air With various melody; from tree to tree The propagated ery redoubling bounds; And wingéd zephyrs waft the floating joy Through all the regions near. Afflictive birch No more the school-boy dreads; his prison broke, Scampering he flies, nor heeds his master's call. The weary traveller forgets his road,
And climbs the adjacent hill. The ploughman leaves The unfinished furrow; nor his bleating flocks Are now the shepherd's joy. Men, boys, and girls, Desert the unpeopled village; and wild crowds Spread o'er the plain, by the sweet frenzy seized. SHIFTS OF THE HARE; KILLED AT LAST; ORPHEUS; THE HOUNDS' PERQUISITE.
Look how she pants! and o'er yon opening glade Slips glancing by: while at the further end The puzzling pack unravel, wile by wile, Maze within maze. The covert's utmost bound Slyly she skirts; behind them cautious creeps, And in that very track so lately stained By all the steaming crowd, seems to pursue The foe she flies. Let cavillers deny
That brutes have reason; sure 't is something more; 'Tis Heaven directs, and stratagems inspires Beyond the short extent of human thought.
But hold-I see her from the covert break; Sad on yon little eminence she sits; Intent she listens with one ear erect, Pondering and doubtful what new course to take, And how to 'scape the fierce, blood-thirsty crew That still urge on, and still, in volleys loud, Insult her woes, and mock her sore distress. As now in louder peals the loaded winds Bring on the gathering storm, her fears prevail, And o'er the plain, and o'er the mountain's ridge, Away she flies; nor ships with wind and tide, And all their canvas wings, scud half so fast. Once more, ye jovial train! your courage try, And each clean courser's speed. We scour along In pleasing hurry and confusion tossed; Oblivion to be wished! The patient pack Hang on the scent unwearied; up they climb, And ardent we pursue; our laboring steeds We press, we gore; till, once the summit gained, Painfully panting, there we breathe a while; Then, like a foaming torrent pouring down Precipitant, we smoke along the vale. Happy the man, who, with unrivalled speed, Can pass his fellows, and with pleasure view The struggling pack! how in the rapid course Alternate they preside, and jostling push To guide the dubious scent; how giddy youth Oft blabbering errs, by wiser age reproved; How, niggard of his strength, the wise old hound Hangs in the rear, till some important point Rouse all his diligence, or till the chase Sinking he finds; then to the head he springs, With thirst of glory fired, and wins the prize.
Huntsman! take heed; they stop in full career; Yon crowding flocks, that at a distance gaze, Have haply foiled the turf. See that old hound, How busily he works, but dares not trust His doubtful sense! Draw yet a wider ring. Hark! now again the chorus fills; as bells, Sallied a while, at once their peal renew, And high in air the tuneful thunder rolls. See how they toss, with animated rage Recovering all they lost! That cager haste Some doubling wile foreshows. Ah! yet once more They're checked hold back with speed - on
They flourish round-e'en yet persist-'t is right: Away they spring; the rustling stubble bends Beneath the driving storm. Now the poor chase Begins to flag, to her last shifts reduced. From brake to brake she flies, and visits all [secure Her well-known haunts, where once she ranged With love and plenty blest. See! there she goes; She reels along, and by her gait betrays
Her inward weakness. See how black she looks! The sweat that clogs the obstructed pores scarce A languid scent. And now in open view [leaves See! see! she flies; each eager hound exerts His utmost speed, and stretches every nerve. How quick she turns, their gaping jaws eludes,
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