lit, 
 

 
 THE 
 
 C H A C E. 
 
 A 
 
 P O E M. 
 
 B Y 
 
 William Somervi/e, Efq; 
 
 Nee tlbi cur a canum fuerit poftrema. 
 
 VIRG. Georg. in, 
 
 Romanis folenne viris opus, utile famcz, 
 Vit<zque> Gf membris. 
 
 HOR. Ep. xviii. Lib. i. 
 
 The THIRD EDITION. 
 
 L N D O N, 
 
 Printed for G. HAWKINS, and fold by T. COOPER 
 
 at the Globe in Pater-Nofter-Row* 
 
 MDCCXXXV.
 
 . 
 
 

 
 THE 
 
 PREFACE.; 
 
 THE Old and Infirm have at leaft 
 this Privilege^ that they can recall 
 to their Minds thofe Scenes of Joy 
 in which they once delighted, and ruminate 
 over their paft Pleafures , with a Satisfa- 
 clton almoft equal to the fir ft Enjoyment. 
 For thofe Ideas, to which any agreeable 
 Senfation is annex V, are eafily excited; as 
 leaving behind them the moft ftring and 
 permanent ImpreJJlons. 'The Slm'ijements 
 of our Touth are the Boaft and Comfort of 
 our declining Tears. The Ancients earned 
 this Notion even yet further , and Juppofed 
 their Heroes in the Elyfian Fields were fond 
 of the very fame Diverfwns they exercifed 
 on Earth. Death it felf could not wean them 
 from the accuftom'd Sports and Gayeties of 
 Life. 
 
 A 2 Pars
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 Pars in gramineis exercent membra palaeftris, 
 Contendunt ludo, & fulva lu&antur arena : 
 Pars pedibus plaudunt choreas, & carmina dicunt. 
 Arma procul currufque virum miratur inanes. 
 Stant terra defixs haflas, paffimque foluti 
 Per campos pafcuntur equi. Quas gratia currum 
 Armorumque fuit vivis, quse cura nitentes 
 Pafcere equos, eadem fequitur tellure repoftos. 
 
 VIRG. u&neid. vr. 
 
 Part on the graffy Cirque their pliant Limbs 
 In Wreftling exercife, or on the Sands 
 Struggling difpute the Prize. Part lead the Ring* 
 Or fwell the Chorus with alternate Lays. 
 The Chief their Arms admires, their empty Cars, 
 Their Lances fix'd in Earth. Th' unharnefs'd 
 
 Steeds 
 
 Graze unreflrain'd ; Horfes, and Cars, and Arms, 
 All the fame fond Defires, and pleafing Cares, 
 Still haunt their Shades, and after Death furvive. 
 
 7 hope therefore I may be indulged (even by 
 the more grave and cenforious Part of Man- 
 kind) if at my leifure Hours^ / run over, in 
 my Elbow-Chair y fome ofthofe Chaces, which 
 were once the Delight of a more vigorous
 
 THE PREFACE. 
 
 dge. It is an entert awing , and (as I con- 
 ceive) a very innocent Amufement. The Re- 
 full of thefe rambling Imaginations will be 
 found in the following Poem ; which if equally 
 diverting to my Readers, as to my felf, I 
 fhall have gaind my End. I have inter- 
 mix' d the preceptive Parts with fo many De- 
 fcriptions and Dtgreffions in the Georgick 
 Manner ) that / hope they will not be tedious. 
 I am fure they are very neccffary to be well 
 under flood by any Gentleman, who would en- 
 joy this noble Sport in full Perfection. In 
 this at leafl I may comfort my felf, that I 
 cannot trefpafs upon their Patience more than 
 Markham, Blome, and the other Profe Wri- 
 ters upon this Subject. 
 
 IT is mo ft certain, that Hunting was the 
 Exercife of the greatejl Heroes in Antiquity. 
 By this they formd themfelves for War 
 and their Exploits agamft Wild Beafts were 
 a Prelude to their future Victories. Xeno- 
 phon fays, that almoft all the ancient He- 
 roes, Neftor, Thefeus, Caftor, Pollux, U- 
 lyfles, Diomedes, Achilles, 8cc. were M- 
 v, Difciples of Hunting , being 
 A 3 taught
 
 THE PREFACE. 
 
 taught carefully that Art^ as what would be 
 highly ferviceable to them in military Difci- 
 plme. Xen. Cynegetic. And Pliny obferves, 
 thofe who were defignd for great Captains, 
 were firft taught certare cum fugacibus feris 
 curfu, cum audacibus robore, cum callidis 
 aftu: to conteft with the fwifteft Wild 
 Beafts, in Speed; with the boldeft, in 
 Strength ; with the moft cunning, in Craft 
 and Subtilty. Plin. Panegyr. And the Ro- 
 man Emperors^ m thofe Monuments they e- 
 recledto tranfmit their Actions to future Age 3^ 
 made no fcruple to join the Glories of the 
 Chace to their moft celebrated Triumphs. 
 Neither were their Poets wanting to do Ju- 
 /lice to this heroick Exercife. Befide that of 
 Oppian in Greek, we have feveral Poems 
 in Latin upon Hunting. Gratius was Con- 
 temporary with Ovid ; as appears by this 
 Verfe, 
 
 Aptaque venanti Gratius arma dabit. 
 
 LIB. iv. PONT. 
 Gratius fhall arm the Huntfman for the Chace. 
 
 But of his Works only fome Fragments re- 
 main.
 
 THE PREFAC1?. 
 
 mam. There are many others of more 
 dern Date. Amongfl thefe 1 Nemefianus , 
 who feems very much fuperior to Gratius, 
 tho* of a more degenerate Age. But only a 
 Fragment of his hrjl Book is prefervd. We 
 might indeed have expetfed to have feen it 
 treated more at large by Virgil in his third 
 Georgick^ fmce it is exprefdy Part of his 
 Subject. But he has favoured us only with 
 ten Verfes ; and what he fays of Dogs, re- 
 lates wholly to Grey-hounds and Mafliffs. 
 
 Veloces Spartae catulos, acremque Moloflum. 
 
 GEOR. in. 
 The Greyhound fwift, and Mafliff's furious Breed. 
 
 And he direBs us to feed them with Butter- 
 Milk. Pafce Sero pingui. He has, it is true^ 
 touched upon the Chace in the 4 th and 7 th 
 Books of the ^Eneid. But it is evident^ that 
 the Art of Hunting is very different noWj 
 from what it was in his Daysj and very 
 much altered and improved in thefe latter 
 Ages. It does not Appear to ms that the 
 Ancients had any Notion of purfumg Wild 
 Beajh by the Scent only^ with a regular and 
 A 4 well-
 
 THE PREFACE. 
 
 'well'difciplind Pack of Hounds ; and there- 
 fore they muft have pafsd for Poachers a- 
 morjgtf our modern Sportfmen. The Mufter 
 Roll given us by Ovid, in his Story of Adae- 
 on is of all Sorts of Dogs, and of all Coun- 
 tries. And the Defcription of the ancient 
 Hunting^ a? we find it in the Antiquities of 
 Pere de Montfaucon taken from the Sepul- 
 chre of the Nafos, and the Arch of Conftan- 
 tine, has not the leatt Trace of the Manner 
 now in Ufe. 
 
 WHENEVER the Ancients mention 
 Dogs followed by the Scent, they mean no 
 more than finding out the Game by the Nofe 
 of one fingle Dog. This was as much as 
 they knew of the Odora canum vis. Thus 
 Nemefianus fays, 
 
 Odorato nofcunt veftigia prato, 
 Atque etiam leporum fecreta cubilia monftrant. 
 They challenge on the Mead the recent Stains, 
 And trail the Hare unto her fecret Form. 
 
 Oppian has a long Defcription of thefe Dogs 
 in his fir[lB-jok from Ver, 479 to jz<5. And 
 
 here,
 
 THE PREFACE. 
 
 here, tho he feems to defence the Hunting 
 of the Hare by the Scent thro' many Turn- 
 ings and Windings \ yet he really fays no 
 more^ than that one of thofe Hounds^ which 
 he calls lyysvlygs^ finds out the Game. For 
 he follows the Scent no further than the 
 Hare's Form\ from whence^ after he has 
 ftarted her y he purfues her by Sight. I 
 am indebted for thefe two laft Remarks to 
 a reverend and very learned Gentleman y 
 whofe Judgment in the Belles Lettres no 
 Body difputes, and whofe Approbation gave 
 me the Affurance to publifh this Poem. 
 
 OPPIAN alfo obferves y that the left Sort 
 of thefe Finders were brought from Britain; 
 this I/land having always been famous (as it 
 is at this Day) for the left Breed of Hounds, 
 for Perfons the befi fkiWd in the Art of 
 Hunting^ and for Horfes the moft enduring 
 to follow the Chace. It is therefore ftrange 
 that none of our Poets have yet thought it 
 worth their while to treat of this SubjeBy 
 which is without doubt very noble in itfelfy 
 and very well adapted to receive the moft 
 beautiful Turns of Poetry. Perhaps our 
 
 Poets
 
 THE PREFACE. 
 
 Poets ham no great Genius for Hunting. 
 Tet I hope^ my Brethren of the Couples^ by 
 encouraging this fir/l, but imperfect ^ Effay^ 
 will fliew the World they have at leaft fome 
 Tajle for Poetry. 
 
 THE Ancients efteemd Hunting^ not 
 only as a manly and warlike Exercife^ but 
 as highly conducive to Health. The famous 
 Galen recommends it above all others , as 
 not only exercifmg the Body, but giving De- 
 light and Entertainment to the Mind, /ind 
 ke calls the Inventors of this Art wife Men, 
 and well f&lfd in human Nature. Lib. de 
 parvas pilae Exercitio. 
 
 THE Gentlemen , who are fond of a 
 Gingle at the Clofe of every I/erfe> and 
 think no Poem truly mufical but what is in 
 Rhime^ will here find themfelves difappoin- 
 ted. If they will be pleafed to read over the 
 fhort Preface before the Paradife Loft, 
 Mr. Smith 'j Poem in Memory of his Friend 
 Mr. John Philips, and the Archbifhop of 
 Cambray'j Letter to Monjieur Fontenelle, 
 they may probably be oj another Opinion. 
 
 For
 
 THE PREFACE. 
 
 For my own Part, I foall not be afharrfd 
 to follow the Example of Milton, Philips, 
 Thomfon, and all our befl tragick Wri- 
 ters. 
 
 SOME few Terms of Art are differs W 
 here and there ; but fucb only as are ab- 
 folutely requijite to explain my Subject. I 
 hope in this the Criticks will excufe me ; 
 for I am humbly of Opinion^ that the Af- 
 felation<> and not the neceffary U/e, is the 
 proper Object of their Cenfure. 
 
 B UT I have done. I know the Impa- 
 tience of my Brethren^ when a fine Day y 
 and the Confort of the Kennel, invite them 
 abroad. I floall therefore leave my Reader 
 to fuch Diverfion , as he may find in the 
 Poem it felf. 
 
 En age, Segnes, 
 
 Rumpe moras -, vocat ingenti clamore Cithasron, 
 Taygetique canes, domitrixque Epidaurus equo- 
 
 rum; 
 Et vox affenfu nemorum ingeminata remugit. 
 
 VIRG. GEORG. in. 
 
 Hark,
 
 THE PREFACE. 
 
 Hark, away, 
 
 Caft far behind the lingring Cares of Life. 
 Cith&ron calls aloud, and in full Cry 
 Thy Hounds, Taygffus. Epidaurm trains 
 For us the gen'rous Steed; the Hunter's Shouts, 
 And chearing Cries, affenting Woods return. 
 
 T O
 
 T O 
 
 WILLIAM SOMERVILE, Efq; 
 
 On his POEM call'd 
 
 The C H A C E. 
 
 WHILE you, Sir, gain the Steep Afcent to 
 Fame, 
 
 And Honours due to deathlefs Merit claim ; 
 To a 'weak Mufe a kind Indulgence lend. 
 Fond with juji Praife your Labours to commend, 
 And tell the World, that Somervile'* her Friend. 
 Her Incenfe guiltlefs of the Forms of Art 
 Breaths all the Huntfman's Honefty of Heart j 
 Whofe Fancy Jlill the pleafing Scene retains 
 0/EdricV Villa, and Arfannz's Plains;
 
 Joys, which from Change fuperiour Charms receivd> 
 
 'The Horn hoarfe founding by the Lyre relief d: 
 
 When the Day crown' d with rural chajle Delight, 
 
 Refigns obfequious to the feftive Night, 
 
 The feftive Night awakes tb' harmonious Lay y 
 
 And infweet Verfe recounts the triumphs of the Day. 
 
 .3 O A H D odT 
 
 Strange ! that the Britifh Mufejhould leave fo long, 
 The Chace, the Sport of Britain'* Kings, unfung ! 
 Diftinguijh' d Land ! by Heav'n indulgd to breed 
 Thejlout, fagacious Hound, and genrous Steed-, 
 In vain! while yet no Bard adorn d our IJle, 
 70 celebrate the glorious jyfoan T'oil. 
 For this what darling Son Jha II feel thy Fire, 
 God of th' unerring Bow, and tuneful Lyre ? 
 
 Our Vows are heard Attend, ye vocal Throng, 
 
 Somervile meditates tfr adventurous Song. 
 
 Bold
 
 . 
 
 ire, 
 
 Bold to attempt, and happy to excell, 
 His numerous Verfe the Hunt f mans Art Jh all tell. 
 From him, ye Britifh Youths, a vigorous Race, 
 Imbibe the various Science of the Chace \ 
 And while, the w ell-plan d Syftsm you admire, 
 Know BRUNSWICK only could the Work infpire: 
 A Georgic Mufe awaits AUGUSTAN Days, 
 And Somerviles will Jing, when FREDERICS give 
 the Bays. 
 
 JOHN NIXON. 
 
 T O
 
 T O T H E 
 
 AUTHOR 
 
 O F 
 
 The C H A C E. 
 
 ONCE more, my Friend, I touch the trem- 
 bling Lyre, 
 
 And in my Bofom feel poetick Fire, 
 For thee I quit the Law's more rugged Ways, 
 To pay my humble Tribute to thy Lays. 
 What, M I daily turn each learned Sage, 
 And labour thro* the unenlightend Page : 
 Wak'd by thy Lines, the borrow 'd Flames I feel, 
 As Flints give Fire 'when aided by the Steel.
 
 Who* in fulphureous Clouds of Smoak confind, 
 Thy rural Scenes fpringfrejh into my Mind. 
 Thy Genius in fuch Colours paints the Chace, 
 The real to fictitious Joys give Place. 
 When the wild Mujick charms my ravijh'd Ear^ 
 How dull, bow taftelefs HandelV Notes appear ! 
 Evn Farenelli'j Self the Palm reigns, \ 
 He yields but to the Mufick of thy Lines. 
 
 If Friends to Poetry can yet be found ; 
 I 
 
 Who without btufhing Senfe prefer to Sound $ 
 
 Then let this Jbft, this Soul-enfeebling Band, 
 T^hefe warbling Minftreh quit the beggar d Land. 
 They but a momentary 'Joy impart, 
 'Tis you, who touch the Soul, and warm the Heart. 
 How tempting do thy fyhan Sports appear ! 
 Ev'n wild Ambition might vcuchfafe an Ear, 
 Might her fond Luft of : Powr a while compofej 
 And gladly change it for thy fweet Refofe. 
 
 B No
 
 No ferce, unruly Senates, threaten here, 
 
 No Axe, no Scaffold, to the View appear, 
 
 No Envy, Dif appointment, and Dejpair. 
 
 Here, bleji Vidjjitude ! whene'er you pleafe, 
 
 Ton ftep from Exercife to learned Eafe; 
 
 Turn o'er each Clajfick Page, each Beauty trace, 
 
 'The Mind unwearied in the pleafing Chace. 
 
 Oh! would kind Heav'nfuch Happinefs beftow, 
 
 Let Fools, let Knaves, be Mafters here below. 
 
 Grandeur and Place, thofe Baits to catch the Wife, 
 
 And all their pageant Train, I pity and defpife. 
 
 J. TRACY. 
 
 THE
 
 JooH 
 
 '"if 
 
 THE 
 
 
 C H A C E 
 
 A 
 
 POEM.
 
 
 The ARGUMENT of the firft Book. 
 
 THE Subject propofed. Addrefs to his Royal 
 Highnefs the Prince. The Origin of Hunt- 
 ing. The rude and unpolijtid Manner of the firjl 
 Hunters. Bea/ts at firft hunted for Food and Sacri- 
 fee. The Grant made by God to Man of the Bea/ts, 
 &c. The regular Manner of Hunting frji brought 
 into this I/land by the Normans. The beft Hounds 
 and beft Horfes bred here. The Advantage of this 
 Exercife to us, as IJlanders. Addrefs to Gentlemen 
 of Eftates. Situation of the Kennel and its federal 
 Courts. The Diver/ion and Employment of Hounds 
 in the Kennel. The different Sorts of Hounds for 
 each different Chace. ftefcription of a perfect 
 Hound. Of Jizing and for ting of Hounds, the mid- 
 dle-fized Hound recommended. Of the large deep- 
 mouth* d Hound for hunting the Stag and Otter! 
 Of the Lime Hound \ their Ufe on the Borders of 
 England and Scotland. A Phyfcal Account of 
 Scents. Of good and bad fcenting Days. A fiort 
 Admonition to my Brethren of the Couples. 
 
 THE
 
 THE 
 
 C HACK 
 
 P O E M 
 
 T 
 
 HE Ghace I fing, Hounds, aud their vari- 
 ous Breed, 
 
 And no lefs various Ufe. O thou Great Prince ! 
 Whom Cambrias tow'ring Hills proclaim their 
 
 Lord, 
 
 Deign thou to hear my bold, inftructive Song. 
 While grateful Citizens with pompous Shew, 5 
 
 B -5 Rear
 
 i THE C HACK BOOK!. 
 
 Rear the triumphal Arch, rich with th' Exploits 
 Of thy illuftrious Houfe; while Virgins pave 
 Thy Way with Flow'rs, and, as the Royal Youth 
 Faffing they view, admire, and figh in vain; 
 While crowded Theatres, too fondly proud -10 
 Of their exotick Minftrels, and fl^rill pipes, 
 The Price of Manhood, hail thee with a Song, 
 And Airs foft- warbling ; my hoarfe-founding Horn 
 Invites thee to the Chace, the Sport of Kings ; 
 Image qf War, without its Guilt. The Mufe 1 5 
 Aloft on Wing {hall foar, conduct with Care 
 Thy foaming Courfer o'er the fleepy Rock, 
 Or on the River Bank receive thee fafe, 
 Light-bounding o'er the Wave, from Shore to Shore. 
 Be thou our great Protector, gracious Youth ! 2Q 
 And if in future Times, fome envious Prince, 
 Carelefs of Right and guileful, mou'd invade 
 Thy Britain's Commerce, or fhouU ftrive in vain 
 
 To
 
 BOOK I. THE CH ACE. 3, 
 
 To wreft the Balance from thy equal Hand; 
 Thy Hunter-Train, in chearful Green array 'd, 25 
 (A Band undaunted, and inur'd to Toils,) 
 Shall compafs thee around, dye at, thy Feet, ^.^'j 
 Or hew thy PafTage thro' th' embattled Foe, 
 And clear thy Way to Fame; infpir'd by thee 
 The nobler Chace of Glory mall purfue 30 
 
 Thro' Fire, and Smoke, and Blood, and Fields of 
 Death. 
 
 NATURE, in her Productions flow, afpires 
 By juft Degrees to reach Perfection's Height; iy! #r 
 So mimick Art works leifurely, 'till Time 
 Improve the Piece, or wife Experience give 35 
 The proper Finifhing. When Nimrod bold, 
 That mighty Hunter, firft made War on Beafts, 
 And flain'd the Wood-land Green with purple Dye, 
 New, and unpoliih'd was the Huntfman's Art; 
 
 64 No
 
 4 THECHACE. BOOK I. 
 
 No ftated Rule, his wanton Will his Guide. 40 
 With Clubs and Stones, rude Implements of War, 
 He arm'd his favage Bands, a Multitude 
 Untrain'dj of twining Ofiers form'd, they pitch 
 Their artlefs Toiles, then range the defert Hills, 
 And fcow'r the Plains below; the trembling Herd 45 
 Start at th'unu&al Sound, and clam'rous Shout 
 Unhear'd before $ furpriz'd alafs! to find 
 Man now their Foe, whom erft they deem'd their 
 
 Lord, 
 
 But mild and gentle, and by whom as yet 
 Secure they graz'd. Death ftretches o'er the Plain 50 
 Widc^wafting, and grim Slaughter red with Blood ; 
 Urg'4 on by Hunger keen, they wound, they kill, 
 Their Rage licentious knows no bound j at laft 
 Incumber'd with their Spoils, . joyful they bear 
 Upon, their Shoulders broad, the bleeding Prey. 55 
 fapt on their Altars fmokes a Sacrifice 
 
 To
 
 BOOK I. THECHACE. j 
 
 To that all-gracious Pow'r, whofe bounteous Hand 
 
 Supports his wide Creation ; what remains 
 
 On living Coals they broil, inelegant 
 
 Of Tafte, nor fkill'd as yet in nicer Arts 60 
 
 Of pamper'd Luxury. Devotion pure, 
 
 And ftrong Neceffity, thus firft began 
 
 The Chace of Beafts : Tho' bloody wau the Deed, 
 
 Yet without Guilt. For the green Herb alone 
 
 Unequal to fuftain Man's lab'ring Race, 65 
 
 * Now v'ry moving Thing that liv'd on Earth 
 
 Was granted him for Food. So juft is Heav'n, 
 
 To give us in Proportion to our Wants. 
 
 OR Chance or Induftry in After-Times 
 Some few Improvements made, but fhort as yet 70 
 Of due Perfection. In this Ifle remote 
 Our painted Anceftors were flow to learn, 
 
 * Gen. chap. ix. ver. 3, 
 
 To
 
 <?? THE CH ACE. BOOK I. 
 
 To Arms devote, of the politer Arts 
 
 Norfkill'd nor iludious; 'till from Neuftria's Coafts " 
 
 Victorious William, to more decent Rules 75 
 
 SoBdu'd our Saxon Fathers, taught to fpeak 
 
 The proper Dialed:, with Horn and Voice 
 
 To chear the bufy Hound, whofe well-known Cry 
 
 His Jift'ning Peers approve with joint Acclaim. 
 
 From him fucceffive Huntfmen learn'd to join 80 
 
 In bloody focial Leagues, the Multitude 
 
 Difpers'd, to iize, to fort their various Tribes, 
 
 To rear, feed, hunt, and difcipline the Pack. 
 
 HAIL, happy Britain ! highly favoured Ifle, 
 AndHeav'n's peculiar Care! To thee 'tis giv'n 85 
 To. train the fprightly Steed, more fleet than thofe 
 Begot by Winds, or the celeftial BreecJ 
 That bore the great Pelides thro' the Prefs 
 Of Heroes arm'd, and broke their crowded Ranks ; 
 
 Which
 
 BOOK I. THE CHACE. 7 
 
 Which proudly neighing, with the Sun begins 90 
 
 Chearful his Courfe ; and e'er his Beams decline, 
 
 Has meafur'd half thy Surface unfatigued. 
 
 In thee alone, fair Land of Liberty! 
 
 Is bred the perfect Hound, in Scent and Speed 
 
 As yet unrivalFd, while in other Climes 95 
 
 Their Virtue fails, a weak degen'rate Race. 
 
 In vain malignant Steams, and Winter Fogs 
 
 L,oad the dull Air, and hover round our Coafts, 
 
 The Huntfman ever gay, robuft, and bold, 
 
 Defies the noxious Vapour, and confides i oo 
 
 In this delightful Exercife, to raife 
 
 His drooping Herd, and cheer his Heart with Joy. 
 
 YE vig'rous Youths, by fmiling Fortune bleft 
 With large Demefnes, hereditary Wealth, 
 Heap'd copious by your wife Fore-Fathers Care, 105 
 Hear and attend ! while I the Means reveal 
 
 T'enjoy
 
 8 THE CHACE. BooKl. 
 
 T'enjoy thofe Pleafures, for the Weak too ftrong, 
 Too coflly for the Poor : To rein the Steed 
 Swift-ftretching o'er the Plain, to chear the Pack 
 Op'ning in Conforts of harmonious Joy, no 
 
 But breathing Death. What tho' the Gripe fbvere 
 Of brazen-fifted Time, and flow Difeafe 
 Creeping thro' ev'ry Vein, and Nerve unftrung, 
 Afflid: my fhatter'd Frame, undaunted ft ill, 
 Fix'd as a Mountain Am, that braves the Bolts 115 
 Of angry Jove; tho' blafted, yet unfallen ; 
 Still can my Soul in Fancy's Mirrour view 
 Deeds glorious once, recal the joyous Scene 
 In all its Splendors deck'd, o'er the full Bowl 
 Recount my Triumphs paft, urge others on 120 
 With Hand and Voice, and point the winding Way : 
 Pleas'd with that focial fweet Garrulity, 
 The poor difbanded Vet'ran's fole Delight. 
 
 FIRST
 
 BOOK I. THE CHACE. 
 
 FIRST let the Kennel be the Huntfman's Care, 
 Upon fome little Eminence erect, 125 
 
 And fronting to the ruddy Dawn ; its Courts 
 On either Hand wide op'ning to receive 
 The Sun's all-chearing Beams, when mild he mines. 
 And gilds the Mountain Tops. For much the Pack 
 (Rous'd from their dark Alcoves) delight to flretch, 
 And baik, in his invigorating Ray: 131 
 
 Warn'd by the ftreaming Light, and merry Lark, 
 Forth rum the jolly Clan; with tuneful Throats 
 They carol loud, and in grand Chorus join'd 
 Salute the new-born Day. For not alone 1 3 5 
 
 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 Mufes aid, untouch'd, unftrung, 140 
 
 Lies
 
 io THE CHACE. BOOK I. 
 
 Lies my mute Harp, and thy defponding Bard 
 Sits darkly mufing o'er th' unfinifh'd Lay. 
 
 LET no Corinthian Pillars prop the Dome, 
 A vain Expence, on charitable Deeds 
 Better difpos'd, to cloath the tatter'd Wretch, 145 
 Who fhrinks beneath the Blaft, to feed the Poor 
 Pinch'd with afflidYive Want: For Ufe, not State, 
 Gracefully plain, let each Apartment rife* 
 O*er all let Cleanlinefs prefide, no Scraps 
 Beftrew the Pavement, and no half-pick'd Bones, 150 
 To kindle fierce Debate, or to difguft 
 That nicer Senfe, on which the Sportfman's Hope, 
 And all his future Triumphs mufl depend. 
 Soon as the growling Pack with eager Joy 
 Have lapp'd their fmoking Viands, Morn or Eve, 1 5 5 
 From the full Cittern lead the ductile -Streams, 
 To warn thy Court well-pav'd, nor fpare thy Pains y 
 
 For
 
 BOOK I. THE CHACE. 11 
 
 For much to Health will Cleanlinefs avail 
 Seek'ft thou for Hounds to climb the rocky Steep,-, 
 And brufh th'entangled Covert, who fe nice Scent 160 
 O'er greafy Fallows, and frequented Roads 
 Can pick the dubious Way ? Banifh far off 
 Each noifome Stench, let no offenfive Smell 
 Invade thy wide Inclofure, but admit 
 The nitrous Air, and purifying Breeze, 
 
 WATER and Shade no lefs demand thy Care: 
 In a large Square th'adjacent Field inclofe, 
 There plant in equal Ranks the fpreading Elm, 
 Or fragrant Lime ; moft happy thy Defign, 
 If at the Bottom of thy fpacious Court, 170 
 
 A large Canal fed by the cryftal Brook, 
 From its tranfparent Bofom mall reflect 
 Thy downward Structure and inverted Grove. 
 Here when the Sun's too potent Gleams annoy 
 
 The
 
 it THECHACE. BOOK L 
 
 The crowded Kennel, and the drooping Pack 175 
 Reftlefs and faint, loll their unmoiilen'd Tongues, 
 And drop their feeble Tails ; to cooler Shades 
 Lead forth the panting Tribe; loon fhalt thou find 
 
 The cordial Breeze their fainting Hearts revive : 
 
 * 
 
 Tumultuous foon they plunge into the Stream, 180 
 There lave their reeking Sides, with greedy Joy 
 Gulp down the flying Wave, this Way and that 
 From Shore to Shore they fwim, while Clamour 
 
 loud 
 
 And wild Uproar torments the troubled Flood : 
 Then on the funny Bank they roll and ftretch 1 85 
 Their dripping Limbs, or elfe in wanton Rings 
 Courling around, purfuing and purfu'd, 
 The merry Multitude difporting play. 
 
 BUT here with watchful and oblervant Eye, 
 Attend their Frolicks, which too often end 190 
 
 In
 
 BOOK! THE CH ACE. 13 
 
 In bloody Broils and Death. High o'er thy Head 
 Wave thy refounding Whip, and with a Voice 
 Fierce-menacing o'er-rule the flern Debate, 
 And quench their kindling Rage j for oft in Sport 
 Begun^ Combat enfties, growling they fnarl, 195 
 Then on their Haunches rear'd, rampant they feize 
 Each others Throats, with Teeth, and Claws, in. 
 
 Gore 
 Befmear'd, they wound, they tear, 'till on the 
 
 Ground, 
 
 Panting, half dead the conquer'd Champion lies : 
 Then fudden all the bafe ignoble Crowd 200 
 
 Loud-clam'ring feize the helplefs worried Wretch, 
 And thirfting for his Blood, drag difF'rent Ways 
 His mangled Carcafs on th'enfanguin'd Plain. 
 O Breafts of Pity void! t'opprefs the Weak, 
 To point your Vengeance at the friendlefs Head, 205 
 
 C And
 
 14 THE C HACK BOOK I. 
 
 And with one mutual Cry infult the Fafl'n ! 
 Emblem too juft of Man's degen'rate Race. 
 
 OTHERS apart by native InftincT: led, 
 Knowing Inftructor ! 'mong the ranker Grafs 
 Cull each falubrious Plant, with bitter Juice 21 
 Concoctive flor'd, and potent to allay 
 Each vicious Ferment. Thus the Hand divine 
 Of Providence, beneficent and kind 
 To all his Creatures, for the Brutes prefcribes 
 A ready Remedy, and is himfelf 215 
 
 Their great Phyfician. Now grown fliff with Age, 
 And many a painful Chace, the wife old Hound 
 Regardlefs of the frolick Pack, attends 
 His Mailer's Side, or (lumbers at his Eafe 
 Beneath the bending Shade; there many a Ring 220 
 Runs o're in Dreams > now on the doubtful Foil 
 Puzzles perplex'd, or Doubles intricate 
 
 Cautious
 
 BooKl. THE CHACE. ij 
 
 Cautious unfolds, then wing'd with all his Speed, 
 Bounds o'er the Lawn to feize his panting Prey : 
 And in imperfect Whimp'rings fpeaks his Joy. 225 
 
 A difT'rent Hound for ev'ry difFrent Chace 
 Select with Judgment ; nor the tim'rous Hare 
 O'er-match'd deflroy, but leave that vile Offence 
 To the mean,, murd'rous, courfing Crew \ intent 
 On Blood and Spoil. O blaft their Hopes, juft 
 
 Heav'n! 230 
 
 And all their painful Drudgeries repay 
 With Difappointment and fevere Remorfe. 
 But hufband thou thy Pleafures, and give Scope 
 To all her fubtle Play: By Nature led 
 A thoufand Shifts me tries ; t'unravel thefe 235 
 Th' induftrious Beagle twifls his waving Tail. 
 Thro' all her Labyrinths purfues, and rings 
 
 C 2 Her
 
 16 THECHACE. BOOK I. 
 
 Her doleful Knell. See there with Count'nance 
 
 biith, 
 
 And with a courtly grin, the fawning Hound 
 Salutes thee cow'ring, his wide op'ning Nofe 240 
 Upward he curls, and his large Sloe-black Eyes 
 Melt in foft Blandishments, and humble Joyj 
 His glofly Skin, or Yellow-pied, or Blue, 
 
 In Lights or Shades by Nature's Pencil drawn, 
 
 * 
 Reflects the various Tints j his Ears and Legs 245 
 
 Fleckt here and there, in gay enamel'd Pride, 
 Rival the fpeckled Pard ; his Rufh-grown Tail 
 O'er his broad Back bends in an ample Arch j 
 On Shoulders clean, upright and firm he flands; 
 His round Cat Foot, flrait Hams, and wide-fpread 
 Thighs, 250 
 
 And his low-dropping Cheft, confefs his Speed, 
 His Strength, his Wind, or on the fleepy Hill, 
 Or far extended Plain j in ev'ry Part 
 
 So
 
 BOOK I. THE CH ACE. 17 
 
 So well proportion'd, that the nicer Skill 
 
 Of Phidias himfelf can't blame thy Choice. 255 
 
 Of fuch compofe thy Pack. But here a Mean 
 
 Obferve, nor the large Hound prefer, of Size 
 
 Gigantick; he in the thick- woven Covert 
 
 Painfully tugs, or in the thorny Brake 
 
 Torn and embarrafs'd bleeds: But if too fmall, 260 
 
 The pigmy Brood in ev'ry Furrow fwims; 
 
 Moil'd in the clogging Clay, panting they lag 
 
 Behind inglorious; or elfe mivering creep 
 
 Benumb'd and faint beneath the fhelt'ring Thorn. 
 
 For Hounds of middle Size, active and ftrong, 
 
 Will better anfwer all thy various Ends, 
 
 And crown thy pleafmg Labours with Succefs. 
 
 As fome brave Captain, curious and exact, 
 By his fix'd Standard forms in equal Ranks 
 His gay Battalion, as one Man they move 270 
 
 C 3 Step
 
 18 THE CH ACE. ROOK!. 
 
 Step after Step, their Size the fame, their Arm$ 
 Far-gleaming, dart the fame united Blaze: 
 Reviewing Generals his Merit own ; 
 How regular ! How juft ! And all his Cares 
 Are well repaid, if mighty GEORGE approve. 275 
 So model thou thy Pack, if Honour touch 
 Thy gen'rous Soul, and the World's juft Applaufe. 
 But above all take heed, nor mix thy Hounds 
 Of diff'rent Kinds -, difcordant Sounds fhall grate 
 Thy Ears offended, and a lagging Line 280 
 
 Of babling Curs difgrace thy broken Pack. 
 But if th'amphibious Otter be thy Chace, 
 Or ftately Stag, that o'er the Woodland reigns; 
 Or if th' harmonious Thunder of the Field 
 Delight thy ravifli'd Earsj the deep-flew'd Hound 
 Breed up with Care, ftrong, heavy, flow, but furej 
 Whofe Ears down-hanging from his thick round 
 Head 
 
 Shall
 
 BOOK I. THE CHACE. 19 
 
 Shall fweep the Morning Dew, whofe clanging 
 
 Voice 
 
 Awake the Mountain Echo in her Cell, 
 And ihake the Forefls: The boldTalbot Kind 290 
 Of thefe the Prime, as white as Alpine Snows; 
 And great their Ufe of old. Upon the Banks 
 Of l^wcsd, ilow-winding thro' the Vale, the Seat 
 Of War and Rapine once, e'er Britons knew 
 The Sweets of Peace, or Anna\ dread Com- 
 mands 295 
 To lafting Leagues the haughty Rivals aw'd, 
 There dwelt a pilf'ring Race; well-train'd and 
 
 fkill'd 
 
 In all the Myfleries of Theft, the Spoil 
 Their only Subflance, Feuds and War their Sport : 
 Not more expert in ev'ry fraudfull Art 300 
 
 Th' Arch * Felon was of old, who by the Tail 
 
 *Cacus Virgin. Lib. VIII. 
 
 C 4 Dr^v
 
 io THE CHACE. BOOK!. 
 
 Drew back his lowing Prize : In vain his Wiles, 
 In vain the Shelter of the cov'ring Rock, 
 In vain the footy Cloud, and ruddy Flames 
 That ifTu'd from his Mouth; for foon he paid 305 
 His forfeit Life: A Debt how juftly due 
 To wrong'd Alcides^ and avenging Heav ? n ! 
 Veil'd in the Shades of Night they ford the Stream, 
 Then proling far and near, whate'er they feize 
 Becomes their Prey} nor Flocks nor Herds are 
 fafe, 310 
 
 Nor Stalls protect the Steer, nor ftrong barr'd Doors 
 Secure the fav'rite Horfe. Soon as the Morn 
 Reveals his Wrongs, with ghaftly Vifage wan 
 The plunder'd Owner flands, and from his Lips 
 A thoufand thronging Curfes burft their Way: 3 15 
 He calls his ftout Allies, and in a Line 
 His faithful Hound he leads, then with a Voice 
 That utters loud his Rage, attentive chears: 
 
 Soon
 
 BooKl. THE CHACR zi 
 
 Soon the fagacious Brute, his curling Tail 
 Flouriih'd in Air, low-bending plies around 320 
 His bufy Nofe, the {learning Vapour muffs 
 Inquifitive, nor leaves one Turf untried, 
 'Till confcious of the recent Stains, his Heart 
 Beats quick) his fnuffling Nofe, his active Tail 
 Atteft his Joy; then with deep op'ning Mouth 325 
 That makes the Welkin tremble, he proclaims 
 Th'audacious Felon; Foot by Foot he marks 
 His winding Way, while all the lift'ning Crowd 
 Applaud his Reaf 'nings. O'er the wat'ry Ford, 
 Dry fandy Heaths, and ftony barren Hills, 330 
 O'er beaten Paths, with Men and Beads diftain'd, 
 Unerring he purfues ; till at the Cot 
 Arriv'd, and feizing by his guilty Throat 
 The Caitif vile, redeems the captive Prey: 
 So exquifitely delicate his Senfe! 335 
 
 SHOU'D
 
 ^^ THE CHACE. BOOK!. 
 
 SHOU'D fome more curious Sportfman here en- 
 quire, 
 
 Whence this Sagacity, this wond'rous Pow'r 
 Of tracing Step by Step, or Man or Brute ? 
 What Guide invifible points out their Way, 
 O'er the dank Marfb, bleak Hill, and fandy Plain ? 
 The courteous Mufe fhall the dark Caufe reveal. 
 The Blood that from the Heart inceflfant rolls 
 In many a crimfon Tide, then here and there 
 In fmaller Rills difparted, as it flows 
 Propell'd, the ferous Particles evade 345 
 
 Thro* th' open Pores, and with the ambient Air 
 Entangling mix. As fuming Vapours rife, 
 And hang upon the gently purling Brook, 
 There by th'incumbent Atmofphere comprefs'd. 
 The panting Chace grows warmer as he flies, 350 
 And thro' the Net- work of the Skin perfpires; 
 
 Leaves 
 
 i
 
 BOOK I. THE CHACE. 13 
 
 Leaves a long-ftreaming Trail behind, which by 
 
 The cooler Air condens'd, remains, unlefs 
 
 By fome rude Storm difpers'd, or rarified 
 
 By the Meridian's Sun's intenfer Heat. 355 
 
 To ev'ry Shrub the warm Effluvia cling, 
 
 Hang on the Grafs, impregnate Earth and Skies. 
 
 With Noftrils op'ning wide, o'er Hill, o'er Dak, 
 
 The vig'rous Hounds purfue, with ev'ry Breath 
 
 Inhale the grateful Steam, quick Pleafures fling 360 
 
 Their tingling Nerves, while they their Thanks 
 
 repay, 
 
 And in triumphant Melody confefs 
 The titillating Joy. Thus on the Air 
 Depend the Hunter's Hopes. When ruddy Streaks 
 At Eve forebode a bluft'ring flormy Day, 
 Or low'ring Clouds blacken the Mountain's Brow, 
 When nipping Frofts, and the keen biting Blafls 
 Of the dry parching Eafl, menace the Trees 
 
 With
 
 24 THE CHACE. BOOK!. 
 
 With tender BlofToms teeming, kindly fpare 
 Thy fleeping Pack, in their warm Beds of Straw 370 
 Low-finking at their Eafej lifllefs they mrink 
 Into fome dark Recefs, nor hear thy Voice 
 Tho' oft invok'd j or haply if thy Call 
 Rouze up the flumb'ring Tribe, with heavy Eyes 
 Glaz'd, lifelefs, dull, downward they drop their 
 Tails 375 
 
 Inverted j high on their bent Backs erect 
 Their pointed Briftles ftare, or 'mong the Tufts 
 Of ranker Weeds, each Stomach-healing Plant 
 Curious they crop, fick, fpiritlefs, forlorn. 
 Thefe inaufpicious Days, on other Cares 380 
 
 Employ thy precious Hours ; th'improving Friend 
 With open Arms embrace, and from his Lips 
 Glean Science, feafon'd with good-natur'd Wit. 
 But if th'inclement Skies, and angry Jove 
 Forbid the pleating Intercourfe, thy Books 385 
 
 Invite
 
 Booicl. THE CHACE. 15 
 
 Invite thy ready Hand, each facred Page 
 Rich with the wife Remarks of Heroes old. 
 Converfe familiar with th' illuftrious Dead ; 
 With great Examples of old Greece or Rome 
 Enlarge thy free-born Heart, and blefs kind Heav'n, 
 That Britain yet enjoys dear Liberty, 
 That Balm of Life, that fweetefh Bleffing, cheap 
 Tho' purchas'd with our Blood. Well-bred, polite, 
 Credit thy Calling. See ! how mean, how low, 
 The booklefs fauntring Youth, proud of the Skut 395 
 That dignifies his Cap, his flourifh'd Belt, 
 And nifty Couples gingling by his Side. 
 Be thou of other Mold ; and know that fuch 
 Tranfporting Pleafures, were by Heav'n ordain'd 
 Wifdom's Relief, and Virtue's great Reward. 400 
 
 The
 
 The ARGUMENT of the Second Book. 
 
 OF the Power of Inftinft in Brutes. Two re~ 
 markable Inftances in the Hunting of the Roe* 
 buck, and in the Hare going to Seat in the Morning. 
 Of the Variety of Seats or Forms of the Hare, ac- 
 cording to the Change of the Seafon , Weather or 
 Wind. Defcription of the Hare-hunting in all its 
 Parts, interfpersd with Rules to be obfer'vd by thofe 
 who follow that Chace. Tranjition to the Afiatick 
 Way of Hunting, particularly the magnificent Man- 
 ner of the Great Mogul, and other Tartarian 
 Princes, taken from Monfieur Bernier, and the Hi- 
 Jlory of Gengiikan the Great. Concludes with a 
 fhort Reproof of Tyrants and Oppre/ors of Man- 
 kind. 
 
 BOOK
 
 BooKlI. THE CHACE. 17 
 
 BOOK the Second. 
 
 NOR will it lefs delight th' attentive Sage 
 T'obferve that Inftinc~t, which unerring 
 
 guides 
 
 The brutal Race, which mimicks Reafon's Lore 
 And oft tranfcends: Heav'n-taught the Roe-buck 
 
 fwift 
 
 Loiters at Eafe before the driving Pack, 5- 
 
 And mocks their vain Purfuit, nor far he flies 
 But checks his Ardour, 'till the learning Scent 
 That frefhens on the Blade, provokes their Rage. 
 Urg'd to their Speed, his weak deluded Foes 
 Soon flag fatigued; ftrain'd to Exccfs each Nerve, 10 
 
 Each
 
 *8 THE CHACE. Bo OK II, 
 
 Each ilacken'd Sinew fails 3 they pant, they foam; 
 Then o'er the Lawn he bounds, o'er the high Hills 
 Stretches fecure, and leaves the fcatter'd Crowd 
 To puzzle in the diflant Vale below. 
 
 'Tis InftincT: that directs the jealous Hare 15 
 To chufe her foft Abode : With Step revers'd 
 She forms the doubling Maze j then, e'er the Morn 
 Peeps thro' the Clouds, leaps to her clofe Recefs, 
 
 A s wand'ring Shepherds on th' Arabian Plains 
 No fettled Refidence obferve, but mift 20 
 
 Their moving Camp, now, on fome cooler Hill 
 With Cedars crown'd, court the refreming Breeze; 
 And then, below, where trickling Streams diflili 
 From fome penurious Source, their Thirft allay. 
 And feed their fainting Flocks ; So the wife Hares 2 
 Oft quit their Seats, left fome more curious Eye 
 
 Shou'd
 
 BooKlI. THE CHACE. 29 
 
 Shou'd mark their Haunts, and by dark treach'rous 
 
 Wiles 
 
 Plot their Definition ; or perchance in hopes 
 Of plenteous Forage, near the ranker Mead, 
 Or matted Blade, wary, and clofe they fit. 30 
 
 When Spring fhines forth, Seafon of Love and Joy, 
 In the moift Marfh, 'mong Beds of Ru flies hid, 
 They cool their boiling Blood : When Summer Suns 
 Bake the cleft Earth, to thick wide- waving Fields 
 Of Corn full-grown, they lead their helplefs young: 
 But when autumnal Torrents, and fierce Rains 36 
 Deluge the Vale, in the dry crumbling Bank 
 Their Forms they delve, and cautioufly avoid 
 The dripping Covert : Yet when Winter's Cold 
 Their Limbs benumbs, thither with Speed returned 
 In the long Grafs they ikulk, or {hrinking creep 41 
 Among the wither'd Leaves, thus changing ftill, 
 As Fancy prompts them, or as Food invites* 
 
 D But
 
 3 o T H E C H AC E. BOOK II. 
 
 But ev'ry Seafon carefully obferv'd, 
 Th'inconftant Winds, the fickle Element, 45 
 
 The wife experienc'd Huntfman foon may find 
 His fubtle, various Game, nor wafte in vain 
 His tedious Hours, 'till his impatient Hounds 
 With Difappointment vex'd, each fpringing Lark 
 Babbling purfue, far fcatter'd o'er the Fields. 
 
 Now golden Autumn from her open Lap 
 Her fragrant Bounties mow'rs ; the Fields are {horn ; 
 Inwardly fmiling, the proud Farmer views 
 The rifing Pyramids that grace his Yard, 
 And counts his large Increafe; his Barns are flor'd, 55 
 And groaning Staddles bend beneath their Load. 
 All now is free as Air, and the gay Pack 
 In the rough briftly Stubbles range unblam'd; 
 No Widow's Tears o'erflow, no fecret Curfe 
 Swells in the Farmer's Breafl, which his pale Lips 60 
 
 Trembling
 
 BOOK II. THE CH ACE. 31 
 
 Trembling conceal, by his fierce Landlord aw'd : 
 But courteous now he levels ev'ry Fence, 
 Joins in the common Cry, and hollows loud, 
 Charm'd with the rattling Thunder of the Field. 
 Oh bear me, fome kind Pow'r inviiible! 6^ 
 
 To that extended Lawn, where the gay Court 
 View the fwift Racers, flretching to the Goal; 
 Games more renown'd, and a far nobler Train, 
 Than proud Elean Fields could boaft of old. 
 Oh ! were a Theban Lyre not wanting here, 70 
 And Pindar 's Voice, to do their Merit right ! 
 Or to thofe fpacious Plains, where the ftrain'd Eye 
 In the wide Profped loft, beholds at laft 
 S arum's proud Spire, that o'er the Hills afcends, 
 And pierces through the Clouds, Or to thy Downs, 75 
 Fair Cotfivold, where the well - breath'd Beagle 
 climbs, 
 
 D a With
 
 3 l THE GHACE. BooicII. 
 
 With matchlefs Speed, thy green afpiring Brow, 
 And leaves the lagging Multitude behind. 
 
 HAI*, gentle Dawn! Mild blufhing Goddefs, hail! 
 Rejoic'd I lee thy purple Mantle fpread 80 
 
 O'er half the Skies, Gems pave thy radiant Way, 
 And orient Pearls from ev'ry Shrub depend. 
 Farewel, Cleora j here deep funk in Down 
 Slumber fecure, with happy Dreams amus'd, 
 'Till grateful Steams mall tempt thee to receive 85 
 Thy early Meal, or thy officious Maids, 
 The Toilet plac'd, ihall urge thee to perform 
 Th'important Work. Me other Joys invite, 
 The Horn fonorous calls, the Pack awak'd 
 Their Mattins chant, nor brook my long Delay. 90 
 My Courfer hears their Voice ; fee there with Ears 
 And Tail erect, neighing he paws the Ground ; 
 Fierce Rapture kindles in his red'ning Eyes, 
 
 And
 
 BOOK II. THE CHACE. 33 
 
 And boils in ev'ry Vein. As captive Boys 
 
 Cow'd by the ruling Rod, and haughty Frowns 95 
 
 Of Pedagogues fevere, from their hard Talks 
 
 If once difmifs'd, no Limits can contain 
 
 The Tumult rais'd, within their little Breafts, 
 
 But give a Loofe to all their frolick Play : 
 
 So from their Kennel rum the joyous Pack ; loo 
 
 A thoufand wanton Gayeties exprefs 
 
 Their inward Extafy, their pleafing Sport 
 
 Once more indulg'd, and Liberty reftor'd. 
 
 The rifing Sun that o'er th'Horizon peeps, 
 
 As many Colours from their glofTy Skins 105 
 
 Beaming reflects, as paint the various Bow 
 
 When April Show'rs defcend. Delightful Scene ! 
 
 Where all around is gay, Men, Horfes, Dogs, 
 
 And in each fmiling Countenance appears 
 
 Frem-blooming Health, and univerfal Joy, j i o 
 
 D 3 HUNTSMAN^
 
 34 THE CHACE. BOOK II. 
 
 / ' ' ''- : 
 
 HUNTSMAN, lead on! behind the cluft'ring Pack 
 Submjfs attend, hear with refpect thy Whip 
 Loud-clanging, and thy harfher Voice obey : 
 Spare not the ftraggiing Cur, that wildly roves j 
 But let thy brifk Afiiftant on his Back 1 1 5 
 
 Jmprint thy juft Refentments; let each Lam 
 Bite to the Qujck, 'till howling he return 
 
 And whining creep amid the trembling Crowd. 
 j 
 
 HERE on this verdant Spot, where Nature kind, 
 With double Bleflings crowns the Farmer's Hopes; 
 WJiere Flow'rs autumnal Spring, and the ranjc 
 
 Mead 
 
 Affords the wand'ring Hares a rich Repaft > 
 Throw off thy ready Pack. See, where they fpreacj 
 And range around, and dam the glitt'ring Dew, 
 If fome ftanch Hound, with his authentick Voice, 
 
 Avow
 
 BOOK II. -THE CH ACE. 35 
 
 Avow the recent Trail, the juftling Tribe 
 Attend his Call, then with one mutual Cry, 
 The welcome News confirm, and echoing Hills 
 Repeat the pleating Tale. See how they thread 
 The Brakes, and up yon Furrow drive along ! 130 
 But quick they back recoil, and wifely check 
 Their eager Hafle j then o'er the fallow'd Ground 
 How leifurely they work, and many a Paufe ' 
 Th'harmonious Confort breaks -, 'till more aflur'd 
 With Joy redoubled the low Vallies ring. 135 
 
 What artful Labyrinths perplex their Way ! 
 Ah! there me lies j how clofe ! me pants, fhe doubts 
 If now fhe lives; me trembles as me fits. 
 With Horror feiz'd. The withered Grafs that clings 
 Around her Head, of the fame ruflet Hue 140 
 Almoft deceiv'd my Sight, had not her Eyes 
 With Life full-beaming her vain Wiles betray 'd. 
 At Diftance draw thy Pack, let all be hufli'd, 
 
 D 4 No
 
 THE CH ACE. BOOK II. 
 
 No Clamour loud, no frantick Joy be heard, 
 
 Left the wild Hound run gadding o'er the Plain 145 
 
 Untractable, nor hear thy chiding Voice. 
 
 Now gently put her off; fee how direct 
 
 To her known Mufe me flies! Here, Huntfman, bring 
 
 (But without hurry) all thy jolly Hounds, 
 
 And calmly lay them in. How low they ftoop, 150 
 
 And feem to plough the Ground ! then all at once 
 
 With greedy Noftrils fnuff the fuming Steam 
 
 That glads their flutt'ring Hearts. As Winds let loofe 
 
 From the dark Caverns of the bluft'ring God, 
 
 They burft away, and fweep the dewy Lawn. 155 
 
 Hope gives them Wings, while {he's fpur'd on by 
 
 Fear. 
 The Welkin rings, Men, Dogs, Hills, Rocks, and 
 
 Woods 
 
 In the full Confort join. Now, my brave Youths, 
 Stripp'd for the Chace, give all your Souls to Joy ! 
 
 See
 
 BOOK II. THECHACE. 37 
 
 See how their Courfers, than the Mountain Roe 160 
 More fleet, the verdant Carpet fkim, thick Clouds 
 Snorting they breath, their fhining Hoofs fcarce 
 
 print 
 
 The Grafs unbruis'd ; with Emulation fir'd 
 They ftrain to lead the Field, top the barr'd Gate, 
 O'er the deep Ditch exulting bound, and brufh 165 
 The thorny-twining Hedge: The Riders bend 
 O'er their arch'd Necks ; with fleddy Hands, by 
 
 turns 
 
 Indulge their Speed, or moderate their Rage. 
 Where are their Sorrows, Difappointments, Wrongs, 
 Vexations, Sicknefs, Cares? All, all are gone, 170 
 And with the panting Winds lag far behind. 
 
 HUNTSMAN ! her Gate obferve, if in wide Rings 
 She wheel her mazy Way, in the fame Round 
 Perfifting (till, fhe'll foil the beaten Track. 
 
 But
 
 38 THE CHACE. BOOK II. 
 
 But if fhe fly, and with the fav'ring Wind 175 
 Urge her bold Courfe ; lefs intricate thy Tafk : 
 Pufh on thy Pack. Like fome poor exil'd Wretch 
 The frighted Chace leaves her late dear Abodes, 
 O'er Plains remote (he ftretches far away, 
 Ah ! never to return ! For greedy Death 1 80 
 
 Hov'ring exults, fecure to feize his Prey. 
 
 HARK! from yon Covert, where thofe tow'ring 
 
 Oaks 
 
 Above the humble Copfe afpiring rife, 
 What glorious Triumphs burfl in ev'ry Gale 
 Upon our ravifh'd Ears! The Hunters fhout, 185 
 The clanging Horns fwell their fweet-winding Notes, 
 The Pack wide-op'ning load the trembling Air 
 With various Melody j from Tree to Tree 
 The propagated Cry, redoubling bounds, 
 And winged Zephyrs waft the floating Joy 190 
 
 Thro*
 
 BOOK II. THE CHACK 39 
 
 Thro' all the Regions near: Afflidlive Birch 
 No more the School-boy dreads, his Prifon broke, 
 Scamp'ring he flies, nor heeds his Matter's Call; 
 The weary Traveller forgets his Road, 
 And climbs th' adjacent Hill ; the Ploughman leaves 
 Th'unfinim'd Furrow; nor his bleating Flocks 196 
 Are now the Shepherd's Joy; Men, Boys, and Girls 
 Defert th' unpeopled Village; and wild Crowds 
 Spread o'er the Plain, by the fweet Frenzy feiz'd. 
 Look, how me pants ! and o'er yon op'ning Glade 
 Slips glancing by ; while, at the further End, 201 
 The puzzling Pack unravel Wile by Wile 
 Maze within Maze. The Covert's utmofl Bound 
 Slily ihe ikirts j behind them cautious creeps, 
 And in that very Track, fo lately ilain'd 205 
 
 By all the {learning Crowd, feems to purfue 
 The Foe me flies. Let Cavillers deny 
 That Brutes have Reafon ; fure 'tis fomething more, 
 
 'Tis
 
 40 THE CHACE BOOK II. 
 
 'Tis Heav'n directs, and Stratagems infpires, 
 Beyond the fhort Extent of human Thought. 210 
 
 But hold I fee her from the Covert break; 
 
 Sad on yon little Eminence me fits ; 
 Intent me liftens with one Ear erect, 
 Pond'ring, and doubtful what new Courfe to take, 
 And how t'efcape the fierce blood-thirfty Crew, 215 
 That ftill urge on, and ftill in Vollies loud, 
 Infult her Woes, and mock her fore Diftrefs. 
 As now in louder Peals, the loaded Winds 
 Bring on the gath'ring Storm, her Fears prevail j 
 And o'er the Plain, and o'er the Mountain's Ridge, 
 Away me flies ; nor Ships with Wind and Tide, 
 And all their Canvas Wings fkud half fo faft. 
 Once more, ye jovial Train, your Courage try, 
 And each clean Courfer's Speed. We fcour along, 
 In pleafmg Hurry and Confufion toft ; 
 Oblivion to be wifh'd. The patient Paok 
 
 Hang
 
 BOOK II. THE CHACE. 41 
 
 Hang on the Scent unweary'd, up they climb, 
 
 And ardent we purfue; our lab'ring Steeds 
 
 We prefs, we gore; till once the Summit gain'd, 
 
 Painfully panting, there we breath awhile; 230 
 
 Then like a foaming Torrent, pouring down 
 
 Precipitant, we fmoke along the Vale. 
 
 Happy the Man, who with unrival'd Speed 
 
 Can pafs his Fellows, and with Pleafure view 
 
 The ftruggling Pack; how in the rapid Courfe 235 
 
 Alternate they prefide, and juftling pufh 
 
 To guide the dubious Scent j how giddy Youth 
 
 Oft babbling errs, by wifer Age reprov'd ; 
 
 How niggard of his Strength, the wife old Hound 
 
 Hangs in the Rear, 'till fome important Point 240 
 
 Roufe all his Diligence, or 'till the Chace 
 
 Sinking he finds j then to the Head he fprings 
 
 With Thirft of Glory fir'd, and wins the Prize. 
 
 Huntfman, take heed ; they flop in full career. 
 
 Yon
 
 4i THE CHACE. BooKlI. 
 
 Yon crowding Flocks, that at a Diftance gaze, 245 
 Have haply foil'd the Turf. See! that old Hound, 
 How bufily he works, but dares not truft 
 His doubtful Senfe ; draw yet a wider Ring. 
 Hark ! now again the Chorus fills. As Bells 
 Sally'd a while at once their Peal renew, 250 
 
 And high in Air the tuneful Thunder rolls. 
 See, how they tofs, with animated Rage 
 
 Recov'ring all they loft ! That eager Hafte 
 
 Some doubling Wile forefhews. Ah ! yet once 
 
 more 
 They're check'd, r-hold back with Speed on 
 
 either Hand 255 
 
 They flourifh round ev'n yet perfift 'Tis 
 
 right, 
 
 Away they fpringj the ruftling Stubbles bend 
 Beneath the driving Storm. Now the poor Chace 
 Begins to flag, to her lafl Shifts reduc'd. 
 
 From
 
 BooKlI. THE CHACE. 43 
 
 From Brake to Brake {he flies, and vifits all 260 
 Her well-known Haunts, where once {he rang'd 
 
 fecure, 
 
 With Love and Plenty bleft. See ! there me goes, 
 She reels along, and by her Gate betrays 
 Her inward Weaknefs. See, how black fhe looks! 
 The Sweat that clogs th' obftructed Pores, fcarce 
 
 leaves 265 
 
 A languid Scent. And now in open View 
 See, fee, {he flies ! each eager Hound exerts. 
 His utmoft Speed, and flretches ev'ry Nerve. 
 How quick fc turns ! their gaping Jaws eludes, 
 And yet a Moment lives; 'till round inclos'd 270 
 By all the greedy Pack, with infant Screams 
 She yields her Breath, and there reluctant dies. 
 So when the furious Bacchanals affail'd 
 Tbreiczan Orpheus, poor ill-fated Bard ! 
 
 Loud
 
 44 THE CHA.CE. BOOK!!. 
 
 Loud was the Cry, Hills, Woods, and Hebru? 
 Banks, 275 
 
 Return'd their clam'rous Rage ; diftrefs'd he flies, 
 Shifting from Place to Place, but flies in vain ; 
 For eager they purfue, 'till panting, faint, 
 By noify Multitudes o'erpower'd, he finks, 
 To the relentlefs Crowd a bleeding Prey. 280 
 
 THE Huntfman now, a deep Incifion made, 
 Shakes out with Hands impure, and dames down 
 Her reeking Entrails, and yet quiv'ring Heart. 
 Thefe claim the Pack, the bloody Perquifite 
 For all their Toils. Stretch'd on the Ground me 
 
 lies, 285 
 
 A mangled Coarfe; in her dim glaring Eyes 
 Cold Death exults, and ftiffens ev'ry Limb. 
 Aw'd by the threatening Whip, the furious Hounda 
 Around her Bay; or at their Mailer's Foot, 
 
 Each 
 
 4
 
 BooKlI. THE CHACE. 45 
 
 Each happy Fav 'rite courts his kind Applaufe, 290 
 
 With humble Adulation cow'ring low. 
 
 All now is Joy. With Cheeks full-blown they 
 
 wind 
 
 Her folemn Dirge, while the loud-op'ning Pack 
 The Concert fwell, and Hills and Dales return 
 The fadly-pleafing Sounds. Thus the poor Hare, 295 
 A puny, daftard Animal, but vers'd 
 In fubtle Wiles, diverts the youthful Train. 
 But if thy proud, afpiring Soul dilHains 
 So mean a Prey, delighted with the Pomp, 
 Magnificence and Grandeur of theChacej 300 
 Hear what the Mufe from faithful Records lings. 
 
 WHY on the Banks of Gemna, Indian Stream, 
 Line within Line, rife the Pavilions proud, 
 Their filken Streamers waving in the Wind ? 
 
 E Why
 
 4 <S THECHACE. BOOK II. 
 
 Why neighs the warrior Horfe? From Tent to 
 Tent, 305 
 
 Why prefs in Crowds the buzzing Multitude ? 
 Why fhines the polifh'd Helm, and pointed Lance, 
 This Way and that far-beaming o'er the Plain ? 
 Nor Vijapour nor Golconda rebel ; 
 Nor the great Sophy, with his num'rousHofl 310 
 Lays wafte the Provinces ; nor Glory fires 
 To rob, and to deflroy, beneath the Name 
 And fpecious Guife of War. A nobler Caufc 
 Calls Aurengzebe to Arms. No Cities fack'd, 
 No Mother's Tears, no helplefs Orphan's Cries, 315 
 No violated Leagues, with fharp Remorfe 
 Shall fling the confcious Victor : But Mankind 
 Shall hail him good and juft. For 'tis on Beafts 
 He draws his vengeful Sword ; on Beafts of Prey 
 Full-fed with humane Gore. See, fee, he comes ! 320 
 Imperial Debit op'ning wide her Gates, 
 
 Pours
 
 BOOK II. T H E C H A C E. 47 
 
 Pours out her thronging Legions, bright in Arms, 
 And all the Pomp of War. Before them found 
 Clarions and Trumpets, breathing martial Airs, 
 And bold Defiance. High upon his Throne, 325 
 Born on the Back of his proud Elephant) 
 Sits the great Chief of tfamurs glorious Race : 
 Sublime he fits, amid the radiant Blaze 
 Of Gems and Gold. Omrahs about him crowd, 
 And rein ^Arabian Steed, and watch his Nod : 330 
 And potent Rajahs, who themfelves prefide 
 O'er Reaims of wide Extent -, but here fubmifs 
 Their Homage pay, alternate Kings and Slaves. 
 Next thefe with prying Eunuchs girt around, 
 The fair Sultanas of his Court; a Troop 335 
 
 Of chofen Beauties, but with Care conceal'd 
 From each intrufive Eye ; one Look is Death. 
 Ah cruel Eaftern Law ! (had Kings a Pow'r 
 But equal to their wild tyrannick Will) 
 
 E 2 To
 
 48 THE CHACE. BOOK II. 
 
 To rob us of the Sun's all-chearing Ray, 340 
 
 Were lefs fevere. The Vulgar clofe the March, 
 
 Slaves and Artificers ; and Dehti mourns 
 
 Her empty and depopulated Streets. 
 
 Now at the Camp arriv'd, with flern Review, 
 
 Thro' Groves of Spears, from File to File, he darts 
 
 His marp experienc'd Eye ; their Order marks, 346 
 
 Each in his Station rang'd, exacl: and firm, 
 
 'Till in the boundlefs Line his Sight is loft. 
 
 Not greater Multitudes in Arms appear'd, 
 
 On thefe extended Plains, \v\\enAmmons Son 350 
 
 With mighty Porus in dread Battle join'd, 
 
 The Vaffal World the Prize. Nor was that Hofl 
 
 More numerous of old, which the great * King 
 
 Pour'd out on Greece from all th'unpeopled Eaft ^ 
 
 That bridg'd the Helkffont from Shore to Shore, 355 
 
 And drank the Rivers dry. Mean while in Troops 
 
 * Xerxet. 
 
 The
 
 BOOK II. THECHACE. 49 
 
 The bufy Hunter-Train mark out the Ground, 
 
 A wide Circumference; full many a League 
 
 In Compafs round; Woods, Rivers, Hills, and 
 
 Plains, 
 
 Large Provinces - y enough to gratify 360 
 
 Ambition's higher! Aim, could Reafon bound 
 Man's erring Will. Now fit in clofe Divan 
 The mighty Chiefs of this prodigious Hoft. 
 He from the Throne high-eminent prefides, 
 Gives out his Mandates proud, Laws of the Chace, 
 From ancient Records drawn. With Rev'rence low, 
 And proflrate at his Feet, the Chiefs receive 
 His irreverfible Decrees, from which 
 To vary, is to die. Then his brave Bands 
 Each to his Station leads; encamping round, 370 
 'Till the wide Circle is compleatly form'd. 
 Where decent Order reigns, what thefe command, 
 Thofe execute with Speed, and punctual Care ; 
 
 E 3 In
 
 5 o THE CH ACE. BOOK IL 
 
 In all the flridefl Difcipline of War: 
 
 As if fome watchful Foe, with bold Infult 375 
 
 Hung low'ring o'er their Camp. The high Re- 
 
 folve, 
 
 That flies on Wings, thro' all th'encircling Line, 
 Each Motion fleers, and animates the whole. 
 So by the Sun's attractive Pow'r controll'd, 
 The Planets in their Spheres roll round his Orb, 380 
 On all he fhines, and rules the great Machine. 
 
 E'ER yet the Morn difpels the fleeting Mifts, 
 The Signal giv'n by the loud Trumpet's Voice, 
 Now high in Air, th'Imperial Standard waves, 
 Emblazon'd rich with Gold, and glitt'ring Gems $ 
 And like a Sheet of Fire, thro' the dun Gloom 386 
 Streaming meteorous. The Soldiers Shouts, 
 And all the brazen Inftruments of War, 
 
 ith mutual Clamour, and united Din, 
 
 Fill
 
 BooKlI. THE CH ACE. 51 
 
 Fill the large Concave. While from Camp to 
 Camp, 390 
 
 They catch the varied Sounds, floating in Air. 
 Round all the wide Circumference, Tygers fell 
 Shrink at the Noife, deep in his gloomy Den 
 The Lion ftarts, and Morfels yet unchew'd 
 Drop from his trembling Jaws. Now all at once 395 
 Onward they march embattled, to the Sound 
 Of martial Harmony; Fifes, Cornets, Drums, 
 That roufe the fleepy Soul to Arms, and bold 
 Heroick Deeds. In Parties here and there 
 Detach'd o'er Hill and Dale, the Hunters range 400 
 Inquifitive; ftrongDogs that match in Fight 
 The boldeft Brute, around their Mailers wait, 
 A faithful Guard. No Haunt unfearch'd, they drive 
 From ev'ry Covert, and from ev'ry Den, 
 The lurking Savages. InceiTant Shouts 405 
 
 Re-echo thro' the Woods, and kindling Fire 
 
 E 4 Gleam
 
 yi THE CHACE. BOOK II. 
 
 Gleam from the Mountain Topsj the Foreft feems 
 One mingling Blaze: Like Flocks of Sheep they fly 
 Before the flaming Brand : Fierce Lions, Pards, 
 Boars, Tygers, Bears, and Wolves; a dreadful 
 
 Crew 410 
 
 Of grim blood-thirfty Foes : growling along, 
 They flalk indignant ; but fierce Vengeance ftill 
 Hangs pealing on their Rear, and pointed Spears 
 Prefent immediate Death. Soon as the Night 
 Wrapt in her fable Veil forbids the Chace, 415 
 They pitch their Tents, in even Ranks, around 
 The circling Camp. The Guards are plac'd, and 
 
 Fires 
 
 At proper Diftances afcending rife, 
 And paint th'Horizon with their ruddy Light. 
 So round fome liland's Shore of large Extent, 420 
 Amid the gloomy Horrors of the Night, 
 The Billows breaking on the pointed Rocks, 
 
 Seem
 
 BOOK II. THECHACE. J3 
 
 Seem all one Flame, and the bright Circuit wide 
 Appears a Bulwark of furrounding Fire. 
 What dreadful Howlings, and what hideousRoar, 425 
 Difturb thofe peaceful Shades ! where erft the Bird 
 That glads the Night, had chear'd the lift'ning 
 
 Groves 
 
 With fweet Complainings. Thro' the filent Gloom 
 Oft they the Guards aflail ; as oft repell'd 
 They fly reluctant, with hot-boiling Rage 430 
 
 Stung to the Quick, and mad with wild Defpair. 
 Thus Day by Day, they ftill the Chace renew; 
 At Night encamp; 'till now in flreighter Bounds 
 The Circle lefTens, and the Beafts perceive 
 The Wall that hems them in on ev'ry Side, 43 3; 
 And now their Fury burfts, and knows no Mean ; 
 From Man they turn, and point their ill-judg'dRagc 
 Againft their fellow Brutes. With Teeth and Claws 
 The Civil War begins; grapling they tear. 
 
 Lions
 
 J4 THE CHACE. BooKlI. 
 
 Lions on Tygcrs prey, and Bears on Wolves: 440 
 Horrible Difcord! 'Till the Crowd behind 
 Shouting purfue, and part the bloody Fray. 
 At once their Wrath fubfides; tame as the Lamb 
 The Lion hangs his Head, the furious Pard, 
 Cow'd and fubdu'd, flies from the Face of Man, 445 
 Nor bears one Glance of his commanding Eye. 
 So abject is a Tyrant in Diftrefs. 
 
 AT laft within the narrow Plain confin'd, 
 A lifted Field, mark'd out for bloody Deeds, 
 An Amphitheatre more glorious far 450 
 
 Than ancient Rome cou'd boaft, they crowd in heaps, 
 Difmay'd, and quite appall'd. In meet Array 
 Sheath'd in refulgent Arms, a noble Band 
 Advance ; great Lords of high imperial Blood, 
 Early refolv'd t'aflert their Royal Race, 455 
 
 And prove by glorious Deeds their Valour's Growth 
 
 Mature,
 
 BooKlI. THE CHACE. jy 
 
 Mature, e'er yet the callow Down has fpread 
 Its curling Shade. On bold Arabian Steeds 
 With decent Pride they fit, that fearlefs hear 
 The Lion's dreadful Roar ; and down the Rock 460 
 Swift-fhooting plunge, or o'er the Mountain's Ridge 
 Stretching along, the greedy Tyger leave 
 Panting behind. On Foot their faithful Slaves 
 With Javelins arm'd attend ; each watchful Eye 
 Fix'd on his youthful Care, for him alone 465 
 He fears, and to redeem his Life, unmov'd 
 Wou'd lofe his own. The mighty Aurengzebe, 
 From his high-elevated Throne, beholds 
 His blooming Race ; revolving in his Mind 
 What once he was, in his gay Spring of Life, 470 
 When Vigour ftrung his Nerves. Parental Joy 
 Melts in his Eyes, and flumes in his Cheeks. 
 Now the loud Trumpet founds a Charge. The Shouts 
 Of eager Hofls, thro' all the circling Line, 
 
 And
 
 5<5 THE CHACE. BOOK II. 
 
 And the wild Howlings of the Beafts within 475 
 Rend wide the Welkin, Flights of Arrows, wing'd " 
 With Death, and Javelins lanc'd from ev'ry Arm, 
 Gall fore the brutal Bands, with many a Wound 
 Gor'd thro' and thro'. Defpair at laft prevails, 
 When fainting Nature fhrinks, and roufes all 480 
 Their drooping Courage. Swell'd with furious Rage, 
 Their Eyes dart Fire -, and on the youthful Band 
 They rufh implacable. They their broad Shields 
 Quick interpofe ; on each devoted Head 
 Their flaming Falchions, as the Bolts of Jove, 485 
 Defcend unerring. Proftrate on the Ground 
 The grinning Monflers lye, and their foul Gore 
 Defiles the verdant Plain. Nor idle ftand 
 The trufty Slaves ; with pointed Spears they pierce 
 Thro' their tough Hides 5 or at their gaping Mouths 
 Aneafier PafTage find. The King of Brutes 
 In broken Roarings breaths his laftj the Bear 
 
 Grumbles
 
 BooKlI. THE CHACE. j/ 
 
 Grumbles in Death 5 nor can his fpotted Skin, 
 Tho' flick it fhine, with varied Beauties gay, 
 Save the proud Pard from unrelenting Fate. 495 
 The Battle bleeds, grim Slaughter flrides along, 
 Glutting her greedy Jaws, grins o'er her Prey. 
 Men, Horfes, Dogs, fierce Beafts of ev'ry kind, 
 A ftrange promifcuous Carnage, drench'd in Blood, 
 And Heaps on Heaps amafs'd. What yet remain 500 
 Alive, with vain Affault contend to break 
 Th' impenetrable Line. Others, whom Fear 
 Infpires with felf-preferving Wiles, beneath 
 The Bodies of the Slain for Shelter creep. 
 Aghail they fly, or hide their Heads difpers'd. 505 
 And now perchance (had Heav'n but pleas'd) the 
 
 Work 
 
 Of Death had been cornpleat ; and Aurengzebe 
 By one dread Frown extinguim'd half their Race. 
 When lo! the bright Sultanas of his Court 
 
 Appear
 
 58 THE CHACE. BOOK II. 
 
 Appear, and to his ravifh'd Eyes difplay 510 
 
 Thofe Charms, but rarely to the Day reveal'd. 
 
 LOWLY they bend, and humbly fue, to fave 
 The vanquifh'd Hoft. What Mortal can deny 
 When fuppliant Beauty begs? At his Command 
 Op'ning to Right and Left, the well-train'd Troops 
 Leave a large Void for their retreating Foes. 
 Away they fly, on Wings of Fear upborn, 
 To feek on diftant Hills their late Abodes. 
 
 YE proud Oppreffors, whofe vain Hearts exult 
 In Wantonnefs of Pow'r, 'gainft the brute Race, 520 
 Fierce Robbers like your felves, a guiltlefs War 
 Wage uncontroll'd: Here quench your Thirft of 
 
 Blood ; 
 But learn from Aurengzebe to fpare Mankind. 
 
 The
 
 The ARGUMENT of the Third Book. 
 
 OF King Edgar and his impojing a tribute of 
 Wolves Heads upon the Kings of Wales: From 
 hence a Tranjition to Fox-Hunting, which is defcribed 
 in all its Parts. Cenfure of an over-numerous Pack* 
 Of the feveral Engines to deflroy Foxes, and other 
 Wild Beajis. The Steel-Trap defcribed, and the 
 Manner of ufing it. Defcription of the Pitfall for 
 the Lion-, and another for the Elephant. The ancient 
 Way of Hunting the Tyger 'with a Mirror. The A- 
 rabian Manner of Hunting the Wild Boar. De- 
 fcription of the Royal Stag-Chace at Windfor Foreft* 
 Concludes with an Addrefs to his Majefty, and an 
 Eulogy upon Mercy. 
 
 BOOK
 
 <?o THE CH ACE. BOOK III. 
 
 BOOK the Third. , 
 
 IN Albion's Tile when glorious Edgar reign'd. 
 He wifely provident, from her white Cliffs 
 Launch'd half her Forefts, and with num'rous 
 
 Fleets 
 
 Cover'd his wide Domain : There proudly rode 
 Lord of the Deep, the great Prerogative 5 
 
 Of Britijh Monarchs. Each Invader bold, 
 Dane and Norwegian, at a Diftance gaz'd, 
 And difappointed, gnam'd his Teeth in vain. 
 He fcour'd the Seas, and to remoteft Shores 
 With fwelling Sails the trembling Corfair fled. 10 
 Rich Commerce flourifh'd; and with bufy Oars 
 
 DauYd
 
 BOOK III. THE CH ACE. 6t 
 
 Dafh'd the refounding Surge. Nor lefs at Land 
 
 His royal Cares j wife, potent, gracious Prince ! 
 
 His Subjects from their cruel Foes he fav'd, 
 
 And from rapacious Savages their Flocks; 15 
 
 Cambria 's proud Kings (tho' with Reluctance) paid 
 
 Their tributary Wolves j Head after Head, 
 
 In full Account, 'till the Woods yield no more, 
 
 And all the rav'nous Race extinct is loft. 
 
 In fertile Paftures, more fecurely graz'd 2d 
 
 The focial Troops ; and foon their large Increafe 
 
 With curling Fleeces whiten'd all the Plains^ 
 
 But yet alas ! the wily Fox remain'd, 
 
 A fubtle, pilf 'ring Foe, proling around 
 
 In Midnight Shades, and wakeful to deflroy. 25 
 
 In the full Fold, the poor defencelefs Lamb,- 
 
 Seiz'd by his guileful Arts, with fweet warm Blood 
 
 Supplies a rich Repaft The mournful Ewe, 
 
 Her dsareft Treafure loft; thro' the dun Night 
 
 F Wander's?
 
 6i THE CHACE. BooKlIL 
 
 Wanders perplex'd, and darkling bleats in vain: 30 
 While in th'adjacent Bufh, poor Philomel, 
 (Her felf a Parent once, 'till wanton Churls 
 Defpoil'd her Neft) joins in her loud Laments, 
 With fweeter Notes, and more melodious Woe. 
 
 FOR thefe nocturnal Thieves, Huntfman, prepare 
 Thy fharpeft Vengeance. Oh! how glorious 'tis 36 
 To right th'opprefs'd, and bring the Felon vile 
 To juftDifgrace! E'er yet the Morning peep, 
 Or Stars retire from the firft Blum of Day, 
 With thy far echoing Voice alarm thy Pack, 40 
 And roufe thy bold Compeers. Then to the Copfe, 
 Thick with entangling Grafs, or prickly Furze 
 With Silence lead thy many-colour'd Hounds, 
 In all their Beauty's Pride. See ! how they range 
 Difpers'd, how bufily this Way and that, 45 
 
 They crofs, examining with curious Nofe 
 
 Each
 
 BOOK III. THE CH ACE. 63 
 
 Each likely Haunt. Hark ! on the Drag I hear 
 Their doubtful Notes, preluding to a Cry 
 More nobly full, and fwell'd with ev'ry Mouth. 
 As ftraggling Armies, at the Trumpet's Voice, 50 
 Prefs to their Standard ; hither all repair, 
 And hurry thro* the Woods ; with hafty Step 
 Ruftling, and full of Hope j now driv'n on Heaps 
 They pufh , they ftrive $ while from his Kennel 
 
 fneaks 
 
 The confcious Villain. See ! he ikulks along, 55 
 Slick at the Shepherd's Coft, and plump with Meals 
 Purloin'd. So thrive the Wicked here below. 
 
 Tho' high his Brum he bear, ths>' tipt with white 
 
 i 
 
 It gaily fhine j yet e're the Sun declined 
 
 Recall the Shades of Night, the paaiper'd Rogue 60 
 
 Shall rue his Fate revers'd j and at his Heels 
 
 Behold the juft Avenger, fwift to feize 
 
 His forfeit Head, and thirfting for his Blood. 
 
 F 2 HEAVENS.!
 
 ^4 T H E C H AC K BOOK III. 
 
 HEAVENS! what melodious Strains! how beat 
 
 our Hearts 
 
 Big with tumultuous Joy! the loaded Gales 65 
 
 Breath Harmony j and as the Tempeft drives 
 From Wood to Wood, thro' ev'ry dark Recefs 
 The Foreft thunders, and the Mountains fhake. 
 The Chorus fwells j lefs various, and lefs fweet 
 The trilling Notes, when in thofe very Groves, 70 
 The feather 'd Chorifters falute the Spring, 
 And ev'ry Bufh in Confort joins; or when 
 The Mailer's Hand, in modulated Air, 
 Bids the loud Organ breath, and all the Pow'rs 
 Of Mufick in one Inftrument combine, 
 An univerfal Minftrelfy. And now 
 In vain each Earth he tries, the Doors are barr'd 
 Impregnable, - nor is the Covert fafe ; 
 He pants for purer Air. Hark ! what loud Shouts 
 
 Re-echo
 
 BOOK III. THE CH ACE. 6j 
 
 Re-echo thro' the Groves ! he breaks away, , 80 
 Shrill Horns proclaim his Flight. Each ftraggling 
 
 Hound 
 
 Strains o'er the Lawn to reach the diflant Pack. 
 'Tis Triumph all and Joy. Now, my brave Youths, 
 Now give a loofe to the clean gen'rous Steed ; 
 Flourifh the Whip, nor fpare the galling Spur; 85 
 But in the Madnefs of Delight, forget 
 Your Fears. Far o'er the rocky Hills we range, 
 And dangerous our Courfe; but in the Brave 
 True Courage never fails. In vain the Stream 
 In foaming Eddies whirls; in vain the Ditch 90 
 Wide-gaping threatens Death. The craggy Steep 
 Where the poor dizzy Shepherd crawls with Care, 
 And clings to ev'ry Twig, gives us no Pain ; 
 But down we fweep, as iloops the Falcon bold 
 To pounce his Prey. Then up th'opponent Hill, 95 
 By the fwift Motion flung, we mount aloft 
 
 F 3 So
 
 66 THECHACE. BOOK III. 
 
 So Ships m Winter-Seas now fliding fmk 
 Adown the fteepy Wave, then tofs'd on high 
 Ride on the Billows, and defy the Storm. 
 
 WHAT Lengths we pafs! where will iht wan- 
 d'ring Chace 100 
 
 Lead us bewilder'd ! fmooth as Swallows fkim 
 The new-fhorn Mead, and far more fwift we fly. 
 See my brave Pack > how to the Head they prefs, 
 Juftling in clofe Array, then more diffufe 104 
 
 Obliquely wheel, while from their op'ning Mouths 
 The vollied Thunder breaks. So when the Cranes 
 Their annual Voyage {leer, with wanton Wing 
 Their Figure oft they change, and their loud Clang 
 From Cloud to Cloud rebounds. How far behind 
 The Hunter-Crew, wide-ftraggling o'er the Plain ! 
 The panting Courfer now with trembling Nerves 
 Begins to reelj urg'd by the goreingSpur, 
 
 Makes
 
 BOOK III. THE CHACE. 67 
 
 Makes many a faint Effort : He fnorts, he foams, 
 The big round Drops run trickling down his Sides, 
 With Sweat and Blood diilain'd. Look back and 
 
 view 115 
 
 The ilrange Confufion of the Vale below, 
 Where fow'r Vexation reigns ; fee yon poor Jade, 
 In vain th' impatient Rider frets and fwears, 
 With galling Spurs harrows his mangled Sides j 
 He can no more: His ftifF unpliant Limbs 120 
 Rooted in Earth, unmov'd, and fix'd he ilands, 
 For ev'ry cruel Curfe returns a Groan, 
 And fobs, and faints, and dies. Who without 
 
 Grief 
 
 Can view that pamper'd Steed, his Mailer's Joy, 
 His Minion, and his daily Care, well cloath'd, 125 
 Well-fed with ev'ry nicer Cate ; no Coil, 
 No Labour fpar'd; who, when the flying Chace 
 Broke from the Copfe, without a Rival led 
 
 F 4 The
 
 68 THE CH ACE. BOOK III.' 
 
 The num'rous Train: Now a fad Spedacle 
 Of Pride brought low, and humbled Infolence, 130 
 Drove like a pannier'd Afs, and fcourg'd along. 
 While thefe with loofen'd Reins, and dangling Heels, 
 Hang on their reeling Palfreys, that fcarce bear 
 Their Weights ; another in the treach'rous Bog 
 Lies flourd'ring half ingulph'd. What biteing 
 
 Thoughts 135 
 
 Torment th'abandon'd Crew ! old Age laments 
 His Vigour fpent : The tall, plump, brawny Youth 
 Curfes his cumb'rous Bulk ; and envies now 
 The fhort Pygmean Race, he whilom kenn'd 
 V/ith proud infulting Leer. A chofen few 140 
 Alone the Sport enjoy, nor droop beneath 
 Their pleafing Toils. Here, Huntfman, from this 
 
 Height 
 
 Qbferve yon Birds of Prey j if I can judge 
 'Tis there the Villain lurks j they hover round 
 
 And
 
 BOOK III. THE CH ACE. <? 9 
 
 And claim him as their own. Was I not right ; 145 
 See! there he creeps along; his Brufh he drags, 
 And fweeps the Mire impure; from his wide Jaws 
 His Tongue unmoiflen'd hangs; Symptoms too fure 
 Of fudden Death. Hah ! yet he flies, nor yields 
 To black Defpair. But one Loofe more, and all 
 His Wiles are vain. Hark ! thro' yon Village now 
 The rattling Clamour rings. The Barns, the Cots 
 And leaflefs Elms return the joyous Sounds. 
 Thro' ev'ry Homeftall, and thro' ev'ry Yard, 
 His midnight Walks, panting, forlorn, he flies; 155 
 
 Thro' every Hole he fneaks, thro' ev'ry Jakes 
 It 
 
 Plunging he wades befmear'd, and fondly hopes 
 
 In a fuperior Stench to lofe his own : 
 But faithful to the Track, th' unerring Hounds 
 With Peals of echoing Vengeance clofe purfue. 160 
 And now diftrefs'd, no fhelt'ring Covert near 
 Into the Hen-rooft creeps, whofe Walls with Gore 
 
 Diilain'd
 
 70 THECHACE. BOOK III. 
 
 Diflain'd atteft his Guilt. There, Villain, there 
 Expect thy Fate deferv'd. And foon from thence 
 The Pack inquifitive, with Clamour loud, 165 
 Dntg out their trembling Prize j and on his Blood 
 With greedy Tranfport fcaft. In bolder Notes 
 Each founding Horn proclaims the Felon dead : 
 And all th' afiembled Village fhouts for Joy. 
 The Farmer who beholds his mortal Foe 170 
 Stretch'd at his Feet, applauds the glorious Deed, 
 And grateful calls us to a mort Repaft : 
 In the full Glafs the liquid Amber fmiles, 
 Our native Product. And his good old Mate 
 With choicefl Viands heaps the lib'ral Board, 
 To crown our Triumphs, and reward our Toils. 
 
 HERE muft th' inftru&ive Mufe (but with Re- 
 
 Cenfure that numerous Pack, that Croud of State, 
 
 With
 
 BOOK III. THECHACE. 71 
 
 With which the vain Profufion of the Great 
 Covers the Lawn, and makes the trembling Copfe. 
 Pompous Incumbrance ! A Magnificence 
 Ufelefs, vexatious ! For the wily Fox, 
 Safe in th' increafing Number of his Foes, 
 Kens well the great Advantage: Slinks behind 
 And flyly creeps thro' the fame beaten Track, 185 
 And hunts them Step by Step ; then views efcap'd 
 With inward Extafy, the panting Throng 
 In their own Footfteps puzzled, foil'd, and loft. 
 So when proud Eaftern Kings, fummon to Arms 
 Their gaudy Legions, from far diftant Climes 190 
 They flock in Crouds, unpeopling half a World: 
 But when the Day of Battle calls them forth 
 To charge the wel^train'd Foe, a Band compact 
 Of chofen Vet'ranesj they prefs blindly on, 
 In Heaps confus'd, by their own Weapons fall, 195 
 A fmoking Carnage fcatter'd o'er the Plain. 
 
 NOR
 
 7^ THE CHACE. BOOK III. 
 
 NOR Hounds alone this noxious Brood deftroy : 
 The plunder'd Warrener full many a Wile 
 Devifes to entrap his greedy Foe, 
 Fat with nocliurnal Spoils. At Clofe of Day, 200 
 Vith Silence drags his Trail ; then from the Ground 
 Pares thin the clofe-graz'd Turf, there with nice 
 
 Hand 
 
 Covers the latent Death, with curious Springs 
 Prepar'd to fly at once, whene'er the Tread 
 Of Man or Beaft, unwarily (hall prefs 205 
 
 The yielding Surface. By th' indented Steel 
 With Gripe tenacious held, the Felon grins, 
 And ftruggles, but in vain: Yet oft 'tis known, 
 When ev'ry Art has fail'd, the captive Fox 
 Has fhar'd the wounded Joint, and with a Limb 2 10 
 Compounded for his Life. But if perchance 
 
 In the deep Pitfall plung'd, there's no Efcapej 
 
 But
 
 BOOK III. THE CHACE. 73 
 
 But unrepriev'd he dies, and bleach'd in Air 
 The Jeft of Clowns, his reeking Carcafs hangs. 
 
 OF thefe are various Kinds ; not ev'n the King 215 
 Of Brutes evades this deep devouring Grave : 
 But by the wily African betray'd, 
 Heedlefs of Fate, within its gaping Jaws 
 Expires indignant. When the orient Beam 
 With Blufhes paints the Dawn j and all the Race 220 
 Carnivorous, with Blood full-gorg'd, retire 
 Into their darkfom Cells, there fatiate fnore 
 O'er dripping Offals, and the mangled Limbs 
 Of Men and Beafts; the painful Forrefter 
 Climbs the high Hills, whofe proud afpiring Tops, 
 With the tall Cedar crown'd, and taper Fir, 
 AfTail the Clouds. There 'mong the craggy Rocks, 
 And Thickets intricate, trembling he views 
 His Footfteps in the Sand ; the difmal Road 
 
 X And
 
 74 THE CHACE. BOOK III. 
 
 And Avenue to Death. Hither he calls 230 
 
 His watchful Bands j and low into the Ground 
 A Pit they fink, full many a Fathom deep. 
 Then in the midfl a Column high is rear'd, 
 The Butt of fome fair Tree j upon whofe Top 
 A Lamb is plac'd, juft ravifh'd from his Dam. 235 
 And next a Wall they build, with Stones and Earth 
 Encircling round, and hiding from all View 
 The dreadful Precipice. Now when the Shades 
 Of Night hanglow'ring o'er the Mountain's Brow; 
 And Hunger keen, and pungent Thirft of Blood, 240 
 Rouze up the flothful Beaft, he {hakes his Sides, 
 Slow-rifing from his Lair, and ftretches wide 
 His rav'nous Paws, with recent Gore diftain'd. 
 The Forefts tremble, as he roars aloud, 
 Impatient to deftroy. O'erjoy'd he hears 245 
 
 The bleating Innocent, that claims in vain 
 The Shepherd's Care, and feeks with piteous Moan 
 
 The
 
 BOOK III. THE CHACE. 7y 
 
 The foodful Teat; himfelf, alas! defign'd 
 Another's Meal. For now the greedy Brute 
 Winds him from far ; and leaping o'er the Mound 250 
 To feize his trembling Prey, headlong is plung'd 
 Into the deep Abyfs. Proftrate he lies 
 Aftunn'd and impotent. Ah! what avail 
 Thine Eye-balls flafhing Fire, thy Length of Tail, 
 That lafhes thy broad Sides, thy Jaws befmear'd 255 
 With Blood and Offals crude, thy fhaggy Main 
 The Terror of the Woods, thy ftately Port, 
 And Bulk enormous, fince by Stratagem 
 Thy Strength is foil'd ? Unequal is the Strife, 
 When fov'reign Reafon combats brutal Rage. 260 
 
 ON diftant Ethiopia's Sun-burnt Coafts, 
 The black Inhabitants d Pitfall frame, 
 But of a diff'rent Kind, and diff 'rent Ufe. 
 With flender Poles the wide capacious Mouth, 
 
 And
 
 76 THECHACE. BooKlII. 
 
 And Hurdles flight, they clofe -, o'er thefe is fpread 
 A Floor of verdant Turf, with all its Flow'rs 
 Smiling delufive, and from flrideft Search 
 Concealing the deep Grave, that yawns below. 
 Then Boughs of Trees they cut, with tempting 
 
 Fruit 
 
 Of various Kinds furcharg'd; the downy Peach, 270 
 The cluft'ring Vine, and of bright golden Rind 
 The fragrant Orange. Soon as Ev'ning grey 
 Advances flow, befprinkling all around 
 With kind refreshing Dews the thirfty Glebe, 
 The ftately Elephant from the clofe Shade 27^ 
 With Step majeftick ftrides, eager to tafte 
 The cooler Breeze, that from the Sea-beat Shore 
 Delightful breaths, or in the limpid Stream 
 To lave his panting Sides ; joyous he fcents 
 The rich Repaft, unweeting of the Death 280 
 
 That lurks within. And foon he fporting breaks 
 
 The
 
 BOOK III. THECHACE. 77 
 
 The brittle Boughs, and greedily devours 
 
 The Fruit delicious. Ah ! too dearly bought ; 
 
 The Price is Life. For now the treach'rous Turf 
 
 Trembling gives way; and the unweildy Beaft 285 
 
 Self-finking, drops into the dark Profound. 
 
 So when dilated Vapours, flruggling heave 
 
 Th' incumbent Earth; if Chance the cavernM 
 
 Ground, 
 
 Shrinking fublide, and the thin Surface yield, 
 Down finks at once the pond'rous Dome, ingulph*d 
 With all itsTow'rs. Subtle, delufive Man! 
 How various are thy Wiles ! artful to kill 
 Thy favage Foes, a dull unthinking Race ! 
 Fierce from his Lair, fprings forth the fpeckled Pard, 
 Thirfting for Blood, and eager to deftroy ; 295 
 
 The Huntfman flies, but to his Flight alone i ;i>2 
 Confides not : At convenient Diftance fix' d, 
 A poli&'d Mirrour, flops in full Career 
 
 G TUe
 
 78 THE CHACE. BOOK HI. 
 
 The furious Brute : He there his Image views ; 
 Spots againft. Spots with Rage improving glow; 300 
 Another Pard his briftly Whifkers curls, 
 Grins as he grins, fierce-menacing, and wide 
 Diftends his op'ning Paws; himfelf againft 
 Himfelf oppofed, and with dread Vengeance arm'd, 
 The Huntfman now fecure, with fatal Aim 305 
 Diredts the pointed Spear, by which transfix'd 
 He dies, and with him dies the rival Shade. 
 Thus Man innumVous Engines forms, t'afTail 
 The Savage kind :- But mofl the docile Horfe, 
 Swift and confederate with Man, annoys 310 
 
 His Brethren of the Plains 5 without whofe Aid 
 The Hunters Arts are vain, unfkill'd to wage 
 With the more active Brutes an equal War. 
 But born by him, without the well-train'd Pack, 
 Man dares his Foe, on Wings of Wind fecure, 
 
 HiM
 
 BOOK III THE CHACfc. ?j> 
 
 HIM the fierce Arab mounts, and with his Troop 
 Of bold Compeers, ranges the Deferts wild. 
 Where by the Magnet's Aid, the Traveller 
 Steers his untrodden Courfe ; yet oft on Land 
 Is wreck'd, in the high-rolling Waves of Sand 320 
 Immerft and loft. While thefe intrepid Bands, 
 Safe in their Horfes Speed, out-fly the Storm, 
 And fcouring round, make Men and Beafts their 
 
 Prey. 
 
 The grifly Boar is fingled from his Herd 
 As large as that in Erimantbian Woods, 325 
 
 A Match for Hercules. Round him they fly 
 In Circles wide; and each in paffing fends 
 His feather'd Death into his brawny Sides. 
 But perilous th' Attempt. For if the Steed 
 Haply too near approach; or the loofe Earth 330^ 
 His Footing fail; the watchful angry Beaft 
 
 G 2 th'Ad-
 
 8o THECHACE. BooKlII. 
 
 Th' Advantage fpics; and at one fidelong Glance 
 Rips up his Groin. Wounded, he rears aloft, 
 And plunging, from his Back the Rider hurls 
 Precipitant^ then bleeding fpurns the Ground, 
 And drags his reeking Entrails o'er the Plain. 
 Mean while the fiirly Monfter trots along, 
 But with unequal Speed; for ftill they wound, 
 Swift- wheeling in the fpacious Ring. A Wood 
 Of Darts upon his Back he bears ; adown 340 
 
 His tortur'd Sides, the crimfon Torrents roll 
 From many a gaping Font And now at laft 
 Stagg'ring he falls, in Blood and Foam expires. 
 
 BUT whither roves my devious Mufe, intent 
 On antique Tales? While yet the Royal Stag 345 
 Unfung remains. Tread with refpedtful Awe 
 Windfors green G lades ; where Denham, tuneful Bard, 
 Charm'd once the lift'ning Dryads, with his Song 
 
 * Sublimely
 
 BooKlIL THE CH ACE. 81 
 
 Sublimely fweet. O ! grant me, facred Shade, 
 To glean fubmifs what thy full Sickle leaves. 3 50 
 
 THE Morning Sun that gilds with trembling Rays 
 Windfors high Towr's, beholds the courtly Train 
 Mount for the Chace, nor views in all his Courfe 
 A Scene fo gay : Heroick, noble Youths, 
 In Arts, and Arms renown'd, and lovely Nymphs 
 The faireft of this Ifle, where Beauty dwells 
 Delighted, and deferts her Paphian Grove 
 For our more favour'd Shades : In proud Parade 
 Thefe mine magnificent, and prefs around 
 The Royal happy Pair. Great in themfelves, 360 
 They fmile fuperiorj of external Show 
 Regardlefs, while their inbred Virtues give 
 A Luftre to their Pow'r, and grace their Court 
 With real Splendors, far above the Pomp 
 Of eaflern Kings, in alPtheir Tinfel Pride. 365 
 
 G 3 Lib
 
 8i THE CHACE. BOOK III. 
 
 Like Troops of Amazons, the female Band 
 Prance round their Cars, not in refulgent Arms 
 As thofe of old -, unfkhTd to wield the Sword, 
 Or bend the Bow, thefe kill with furer Aim. 
 The royal Offspring, faireft of the Fair, 370 
 
 Lead on the fplendid Train. Anna more bright 
 Than Summer Suns, or as the Light'ning keen, 
 With irreiiftible Effulgence arm'd, 
 Fires ev'ry Heart. He muft be more than Man, 
 Who unconcern'd can bear the piercing Ray. 375 
 Amelia^ milder than the bluming Dawn, 
 With fweet engaging Air, but equal Pow'r 
 Infenfibly fubdues, and in foft Chains 
 Her willing Captives leads. Illuftrious Maids 
 Ever triumphant ! whofe victorious Charms, 380 
 Without the needlefs Aid of high Defcent 
 Had aw'd Mankind, and taught the World's great 
 Lords 
 
 To
 
 BooKlII. THE CHACE. 83 
 
 To bow and fue for Grace. But who is he 
 Frem as a Rofe-bud newly blown, and fair 
 As op'ning Lillies j on whom ev'ry Eye 385 
 
 With Joy, and Admiration dwells ? See, fee, 
 He reins his docile Barb with manly Grace, 
 Is it Adonis for the Chace array 'd ? 
 Or Britain's fecondHope? Hail blooming Youth! 
 May all your Virtues with your Years improve, 390 
 'Till in confummate Worth, you mine the Pride 
 Of thefe our Days, and to fucceeding Times 
 A bright Example. As his Guard of Mutes 
 Qn the great Sultan wait, with Eyes deject 
 And fix'd on Earth, no Voice, no Sound is heard 395 
 Within the wide Serail, but all is hum'd, 
 And awful Silence reigns ; thus ftand the Pack 
 Mute and unmov'd, and cow'ring low to Earth, 
 While pafs the glitt'ring Court, and Royal Pair : 
 So difciplin'd thofe Hounds, and fo referv'd, 40* 
 
 G-4 Whoff
 
 84 THECHACE. BOOK HI. 
 
 Whofe Honour 'tis to glad the Hearts of Kings. 
 But foon the winding Horn, and Huntfman's Voice, 
 Let loofe the gen'ral Chorus ; far around 
 Joy fpreads its Wings, and the gay Morning {miles. 
 
 UNHARBOUR'D now the Royal Stag forfakes 405 
 His wonted Lair; he makes his dappled Sides, 
 And toffes high his beamy Head, the Copfe 
 Beneath his Antlers bends. \Vhat doubling Shifts 
 He tries', not more the wily Hare; in thefe 
 Wou'd ftill perfift, did not the full-mouth'd Pack 
 With dreadful Confort thunder in his Rear. 
 The Woods reply, the Hunter's chearing Shouts 
 Float thro' the Glades, and the wide Foreft rings. 
 How merrily they chant! their Noftrils deep 
 Inhale the grateful Steam. Such is the Cry, 415 
 And fuch th'harmonious Din, the Soldier deems 
 The Battle kindling, and the Statefman grave 
 
 Forgets
 
 BOOK III. THE CH ACE. 8j 
 
 Forgets his weighty Cares ; each Age, each Sex 
 
 In the wild Tranfport joins ; luxuriant Joy, 
 
 And Pleafure in Excefs, fparkling exult 423 
 
 On ev'ry Brow, and revel unreftrain'd. 
 
 How happy art thou, Man, when thou'rt no more 
 
 Thy felf ! when all the Pangs that grind thy Soul, 
 
 In Rapture and in fweet Oblivion loft, 
 
 Yield a fliort Interval, and Eafe from Pain! 425 
 
 SEE the fwift Courfer ft rains, his mining Hoofs 
 Securely beat the folid Ground. Who now 
 The dang'rous Pitfall fears, with tangling Heath 
 High-overgrown? Or who the quiv'ring Bog 
 Soft-yielding to the Step? All now is plain, 430 
 Plain as the Strand Sea-lav'd, that ftretches far 
 Beneath the rocky Shore. Glades crofting Glades 
 The Foreft opens to our wond'ring View : 
 Such was the King's Command. Let Tyrants fierce 
 
 Lay
 
 8<5 THE CHACE. BOOK III. 
 
 Lay wafte the World j bis the more glorious Part 43 $ 
 To check their Pride j and when the brazen Voice 
 Of War is hufh'd, (as erfl victorious Rome) 1 bn 
 T" employ his fbation'd Legions in the Works 
 Of Peace j to fmooth the rugged Wildernefs. 
 To drain the ftagnate Fen, to raife the Slope 443 
 Depending Road, and to make gay the Face 
 Of Nature, with th' Embellishments of Art, 
 
 How melts my beating Heart! as I behold 
 Each lovely Nymph our Hand's Boaft and Pride, 
 Pufh on the gen'rous Steed, that ftrokes along 445 
 O'er rough, o'er fmooth, nor heeds the fteepy Hill, 
 Nor faulters in th' extended Vale below j 
 Their Garments loofely waving in the Wind, 
 And all the Flum of Beauty in their Cheeks! 
 While at their Sides their penfive Lovers wait, 450 
 DiredT: their dubious Courfe; now chill'd with Fear 
 
 Soli-
 
 BooKlII. THE CHACE. 87 
 
 Solicitous, and now with Love inflam'd. 
 O! grant, indulgent Heav'n, no rifing Storm 
 May darken with black Wings, this glorious Scene ! 
 Shou'd fome malignant Pow'r thus damp our Joys, 
 Vain were the gloomy Cave, fuch as of old 
 Betray'd to lawlefs Love the Syrian Queen. 
 For Britain's virtuous Nymphs are chafte as fair, 
 Spotlefs, unblam'd, with equal Triumph reign 
 Jn the Dun Gloom, as in the Blaze of Day. 460 
 " '.'.;:'} .T-'i.'vV f.>7 - V T "> *'/# :*>< <v. : - -^i^aT 
 Now the blown Stag, thro' Woods, Bogs, Roads, 
 
 and Streams 
 
 Has meafur'd half the Foreft j but alafs ! 
 He flies in vain, he flies not from his Fears. 
 Tho' far he. cafl the ling'ring Pack behind, 
 His haggard Fancy ftill with Horrors views 465 
 The fell Deftroyer; ftill the fatal Cry 
 Jnfults his Ears, and wounds his trembling Heart. 
 
 So
 
 88 THE CHACK BooKlII. 
 
 So the poor Fury-haunted Wretch (his Hands 
 In guiltlefs Blood diftain'd) ftill feems to hear 
 The dying Shrieks ; and the pale threat'ning Ghoft 
 Moves as he moves, and as he flies, purfues. 
 See here his Slot; up yon green Hill he climbs, 
 Pants on its Brow awhile, fadly looks back 
 On his Purfuers, cov'ring all the Plain j 
 But wrung with Anguifh, bears not long the Sight, 
 Shoots down the Steep, and fweats along the Vale : 
 There mingles with the Herd, where once he 
 
 reign'd 
 Proud Monarch of the Groves, whofe clafhing 
 
 Beam 
 
 His Rivals aw'd, and vrfiofe exalted Pow'r 
 Was ftill rewarded with fuccefsful Love. 48 
 
 But the bafe Herd, have learn'd the Ways of Men, 
 Averfe they fly, or with rebellious Aim 
 
 Chace
 
 BOOK III. THE CHACE. 89 
 
 Chace him from thence: needlefs their impious 
 
 Deed, 
 
 The Huntfman knows him by a thoufand Marks, 
 Black, and Imboft; nor are his Hounds deceiv'dj 
 Too well diftinguifh thefe, and never leave 
 Their once devoted Foe; familiar grows 
 His Scent, and ftrong their Appetite to kill. 
 Again he flies, and with redoubled Speed 
 Skims o'er the Lawn; ftill the tenacious Crew 490 
 Hang on the Track, aloud demand their Prey 
 And pufh him many a League. If haply then 
 Too far efcap'd, and the gay courtly Train 
 Behind are caft, the Huntfman's clanging Whip 
 Stops full their bold Career; paffive they {land, 495 
 Unmov'd, an humble, an obfequious Crowd, 
 As if by ftern Medufa gaz'd to Stones. 
 So at their Gen'ral's Voice whole Armies halt 
 In full Purfuit, and check their Thirfl of Blood. 
 
 Soon
 
 j>o THE CHACE. BooKlIL 
 
 Soon at the King's Command, like hafly Streams 500 
 Damrn'd up a while, they foam, and pour along 
 With frem recruited Might. The Stag, who hop'd 
 His Foes were loft, now once more hears aftunn'd 
 The dreadful Din ; he fhivers ev'ry Limb, 
 He ftarts, he bounds ; each Bum prefents a Foe. 505 
 Prefs'd by the frem Relay, no Paufe allow'd, 
 Breathlefs, and faint, he faulters in his Pace, 
 And lifts his weary Limbs with Pain, that fcarce 
 Suftain their Load; he pants, he fobsappalFd; 
 Drops down his heavy Head to Earth, beneath 510 
 His cumb'rous Beams opprefs'd. But if perchance 
 Some prying Eye furprize him ; foon he rears 
 Erect his tow'ring Front, bounds o'er the Lawn 
 With ill-diflembled Vigour, to amufe 
 The knowing Forefter j who inly fmiles 5*5 
 
 At his weak Shifts, and unavailing Frauds. 
 So midnight Tapers wafte their laft RemainSj 
 
 Shine
 
 BOOK III. THE CH ACE. 91 
 
 Shine forth a while, and as they blaze expire. 
 From Wood to Wood redoubling Thunders roll, 
 And bellow thro* the Vales ; the moving Storm 520 
 Thickens amain, and loud triumphant Shouts, 
 And Horns fhrill-warbling in each Glade, prelude 
 To his approaching Fate. And now in view 
 With hobbling Gate, and high, exerts amaz'd 
 What Strength is left: To the laft Dregs of Life 
 Reduc'd, his Spirits fail, on ev'ry Side 
 Hemm'd in, befieg'd j not the leaft Op'ning left 
 To gleaming Hope, th' Unhappy's laft Referve. 
 Where (hall he turn ? Or whither fly ? Defpair 
 Gives Courage to the Weak. Refolv'd to dye, 530 
 He fears no more, but nifties on his Foes, 
 And deals his Deaths around j beneath his Feet 
 Thefe grovelling lye, thofe by his Antlers gor'd 
 Defile th' enfanguin'd Plain. Ah ! fee diflrefs'd 
 He ftands at Bay againft yon knotty Trunk, 535 
 
 That 
 2
 
 ft THE CHACE. BOOK III. 
 
 That covers well his Rear, his Front prefents 
 An Hoft of Foes. O ! fhun, ye noble Train, 
 The rude Encounter, and believe your Lives 
 Your Country's Due alone. As now aloof 
 They wing around, he finds his Soul uprais'd, 540 
 To dare fome great Exploits he charges home 
 Upon the broken Pack, that on each Side 
 Fly diverfe ; then as o'er the Turf he ftrains, 
 He vents the cooling Stream, and up the Breeze 
 Urges his Courfe with eager Violence : 544 
 
 Then takes the Soil, and plunges in the Flood 
 Precipitant -, down the Mid-Stream he wafts 
 Along, 'till (like a Ship diftrefs'd, that runs 
 Into fome winding Creek) clofe to the Verge 
 Of a fmall I (land, for his weary Feet 550 
 
 Sure Anchorage he finds, there fkulks immers'd. 
 His Nofe alone above the Wave, draws in 
 The vital Air; all elfe beneath the Flood 
 
 Conceal'd, 

 
 BOOK III. THE CHACE. 93 
 
 Conceal'd, and loft, deceives each prying Eye 
 Of Man or Brute. In vain the crowding Pack 555 
 Draw on the Margin of the Stream, or cut 
 The liquid Wave with oary Feet, that move 
 In equal Time. The gliding Waters leave 
 No Trace behind, and his contracted Pores 
 But fparingly perfpire : The Huntfman ftrains 560 
 His lab' ring Lungs, and puffs his Cheeks in vain : 
 At length a Blood-hound bold, iludious to kill, 
 And exquifite of Senfe, winds him from far ; 
 Headlong he leaps into the Flood, his Mouth 
 Loud op'ning fpends amain, and his wide Throat 
 Swells ev'ry Note with Joy; then fearlefs dives 
 Beneath the Wave, hangs -on his Ranch, and wounds 
 Th'unhappy Brute, that flounders in the Stream, 
 Sorely diftrefs'd, and draggling drives to mount 
 The fteepy Shore. Haply once more efcap'd; 570 
 Again he Hands at Bay, amid the Groves 
 
 H Of
 
 94 THE CHACE. BooKlII. 
 
 Of Willows, bending low their downy Heads. 
 Outragious Tranfport fires the greedy Pack ; 
 Thefe fwim the Deep, and thofe crawl up with 
 
 Pain 
 
 The flipp'ry Bank, while others on firm Land 575 
 Engage; the Stag repells each bold AfTault, 
 Maintains his Poft, and Wounds for Wounds returns. 
 As when fome wily Corfair boards a Ship 
 Full-freighted, or from Africs golden Coafis, 
 Or India's wealthy Strand, his bloody Crew 580 
 Upon her Deck he flings j thefe in the Deep 
 Drop fhort, and fwim to reach her fteepy Sides, 
 And clinging climb aloft; while thofe on Board 
 Urge on the Work of Fate ; the Matter bold, 
 Prefs'd to his laft Retreat, bravely refolves 585 
 
 To fink his Wealth beneath the whelming Wave, 
 His Wealth, his Foes, nor unreveng'd to dye. 
 So fares it with the Stag : So he refolves 
 
 To
 
 BOOK HI. THE CHACE. j>; 
 
 To plunge at once into the Flood below* 
 
 Himfelf, his Foes in one deep Gulph immers'd. 596 
 
 E'er yet he executes this dire Intent, 
 
 In wild Diforder once more views the Light; 
 
 Beneath a Weight of Woe, he groans diftrefs'd * 
 
 The Tears run trickling down his hairy Cheeks; 
 
 He weeps, nor weeps in vain. The King beholds 
 
 His wretched Plight, and Tendernefs innate 
 
 Moves his great Soul. Soon at his high Command 
 
 Rebuk'd, the difappointed, hungry Pack 
 
 Retire fubmifs, and grumbling quit their Prey. 
 
 GREAT Prince! from thee, what may thy Sub- 
 jects hope ; 600 
 So kind, and fo beneficent to Brutes ? 
 O Mercy, heav'nly born ! Sweet Attribute! 
 Thou great, thou beft Prerogative of Pow'r! 
 Juftice may guard the Throne, but join'd with thee, 
 
 H 2 On
 
 9 6 THE CHACE. BOOK III. 
 
 On Rocks of Adamant it ftands fecure, 605 
 
 And braves the Storm beneath ; foon as thy Smiles 
 Gild the rough Deep, the foaming Waves fubfide, 
 And all the noify Tumult finks in Peace. 
 
 The
 
 The ARGUMENT of the Fourth Book. 
 
 OF the Necejfity of deftroyingfomeBeafts, and pre- 
 ferring others for the Ufe of Man. Of breeding 
 of Hounds-, the Seafon for this Bufinefs. *fhe Choice of 
 the Dog, of great Moment. Of the Litter of Whelps. 
 Of the Number to be reard. Of fetting them out 
 to their federal Walks. Care to be taken to prevent 
 their Hunting too joon. Of en? ring the Whelps. Of 
 breaking them from running at Sheep. Of the Dif- 
 eafcs of Hounds. Of their 4ge. Of Madnefs ; two 
 Sorts of it defcribed , the Dumb, and outragious 
 Madnefs : It's dreadful Ejf'etfs. Burning of the 
 Wound recommended as preventing all ill Conferences, 
 tfhe infectious Hounds to be feparated, and fed apart. 
 *fhe Vanity of trujling to the many infallible Cures 
 for this Malady. The difmal Effetts of the Biting 
 of a Mad Dog, upon Man defer ibed. Dcfcriptionof 
 the Otter Hunting. T'be Condujion. 
 
 H i BOOK
 
 c?S THECHACE. BOOK IV. 
 
 3 OK the Fourth. 
 
 rs * .. .f*v T J^~*\L 
 
 HATE'ER of Earth is forrn'd, to Earth re-* 
 
 p v' 1 V \O * ' V* '' <vr\* ^ > ^<iOL \\ 
 turns 
 
 DiiTolv'd : the various Objeds we behold, 
 
 Plants, Animals, this whole material Mafs, 
 
 Are ever changing, ever new. The Soul 
 
 Of Man alone, that -Particle divine, 
 
 Efcapes the Wreck of Worlds, when all things fail. 
 
 Hence great the Diftance 'twixt the Beails that pe- 
 
 rifh, 
 
 And God's bright Image, Man's immortal Race. 
 The Brute Creation are his Property, 
 Subfervient to his Will, and for him made, 10 
 
 iffjOd'' 1 
 
 As
 
 BOOK IV. THE CHACE. e>p 
 
 As hurtful thefe he kills, as ufeful thofe 
 Preferves ; their fole and arbitrary King, 
 Shou'd he not kill, as erft the Samian Sage 
 Taught unadvis'd, and Indian Brachmans now 
 As vainly preach ; the teeming rav'nous Brutes 1 5 
 Might fill the fcanty Space of this Terrene, 
 Incumb'ring all the Globe: Shou'd not his Care 
 Improve his growing Stock, their Kinds might fail, 
 Man might once more on Roots, and Acorns feed, 
 And thro' the Deferts range, fhiv'ring, forlorn, 20 
 Quite deftitute of ev'ry Solace dear, 
 And ev'ry fmiling Gaiety of Life, 
 
 THE prudent Huntfman therefore will fupply ? 
 With annual large Recruits, his broken Pack, 
 And propagate their Kind. As from the Root 25 
 Frefii Scions ftill fpring forth, and daily yield 
 New blooming Honours to the Parent-Tree. 
 
 H 4 Far
 
 ioo T H E C H AC E. BOOK IV. 
 
 Far mall his Pack be fam'd, far fought his Breed, 
 And Princes at their Tables feaft thofe Hounds 
 His Hand prefents, an acceptable Boon. 30 
 
 E'ER yet the Sun thro' the bright Ram has urg'd 
 His fteepy Courfe, or Mother Earth unbound 
 Her frozen Bofom to the Weftern Gale ; 
 When feather'd Troops, their focial Leagues dif- 
 
 folv'd, 
 
 Select their Mates, and on the leaflefs Elm 35 
 
 The noify Rook builds high her wicker Neft; 
 Mark well the wanton Females of thy Pack, 
 That curl their Taper Tails, and frifking court 
 Their pyebald Mates enamour'd j -their red Eyes 
 Flafh Fires impure ; nor Reft, nor Food they take, 
 Goaded by furious Love. In fep'rate Cells 
 Confine them now, left bloody Civil Wars 
 Annoy thy peaceful State, If left at large, 
 
 The
 
 BOOK IV. THE CHACE. lot 
 
 The growling Rivals in dread Battle join, 
 
 And rude Encounter. On Scamanders Streams 45 
 
 Heroes of old with far lefs Fury fought, 
 
 For the bright Spartan Dame, their Valour's Prize. 
 
 Mangled and torn thy fav'rite Hounds (hall lie, 
 
 Stretch'd on the Ground; thy Kennel fhall appear 
 
 A Field of Blood : like fome unhappy Town 50 
 
 In Civil Broils confus'd, while Difcord {hakes 
 
 Her bloody Scourge aloft, fierce Parties rage, 
 
 Staining their impious Hands in mutual Death. 
 
 And ftill the beft belov'd, and bravefl fall: 
 
 Such are the dire Effects of lawlefs Love. 55 
 
 HUNTSMAN! thcfe Ills by timely prudent Care 
 Prevent : for ev'ry longing Dame feleft 
 Some happy Paramour j to him alone 
 In Leagues connubial join. Conlider well 
 His Lineage 5 what his Fathers did of old, 60 
 
 Chiefs
 
 ioi THE CH ACE. BOOK IV. 
 
 Chiefs of the Pack, and firft to climb the Rock, 
 Or plunge into the Deep, or thread the Brake 
 With Thorns {harp-pointed , plaih'd, and Briars 
 
 inwoven. 
 
 Obferve with Care his Shape, Sort, Colour, Size. 
 Nor will fagacious Huntfmen lefs regard 65 
 
 His inward Habits, the vain Babbler fhun, 
 Ever loquacious, ever in the wrong, 
 His foolifh Offspring fhall offend thy Ears 
 With falfe Alarms, and loud Impertinence. 
 Nor lefs the fhifting Cur avoid, that breaks 70 
 Illufive from the Pack ; .to the next Hedge 
 Devious he drays, there ev'ry Mufe he tries, 
 If haply then he crofs the ftreaming Scent, 
 Away he flies vain-glorious j and exults 
 As of the Pack fupreme, and in his Speed 
 And Strength unrivall'd. Lo! caft far behind 
 His vex'd Affociates pant, and lab'ring ftrain 
 
 To
 
 BOOK IV. THE C HACK. 103 
 
 To climb the fteep Afcent. Soon as they reach 
 Th'infulting Boafter, his falfe Courage fails, 
 Behind he lags, doom'd to the fatal Noofe, 80 
 
 His Matter's Hate, and Scorn of all the Field. 
 What can from fuch be hop'd, but a bafe Brood 
 Of coward Curs, a frantick, vagrant Race? 
 
 '<''' % V'i~' ''<.}]() f( ^i 
 
 WHEN now the third revolving Moon appears, 
 With (harpen'd Horns, above th' Horizon's Brink; 
 Without Lucina's Aid, expect thy Hopes 
 Are amply crown'd ; fhort Pangs produce to Light 
 The fmoking Litter, crawling, helplefs, blind, 
 Nature their Guide, they feek the pouting Teat 
 That plenteous flreams. Soon as the tender Dam 90 
 Has form'd them with her Tongue, with Pleafure 
 
 view 
 
 The Marks of their renown'd Progenitors, 
 $ure Pledge of Triumphs yet to come. All thefe 
 
 Seleft
 
 104 THECHACE. BOOK IV. 
 
 Select with Joy; but to the merc'lefs Flood 
 
 Expofe the dwindling Refufe, nor o'erload 95 
 
 Th' indulgent Mother. If thy Heart relent, 
 
 Unwilling to deflroy, a Nurfe provide, 
 
 And to the Fofter-Parent give the Care 
 
 Of thy fuperfluous Brood ; fhe'11 cherim kind 
 
 The Alien Offspring ; pleas'd thou malt behold 100 
 
 Her Tendernefs, and hofpitable Love. 
 
 I F frolick now, and play- full they defert 
 Their gloomy Cell, and on the verdant Turf 
 With Nerves improv'd, purfue the mimick Cbace, 
 Courling around; unto thy choiceft Friends 150 
 Commit thy valu'd Prize: The ruftick Dames 
 Shall at thy Kennel wait, and in their Laps 
 Receive thy growing Hopes, with many a Kifs 
 Carefs, and dignify their little Charge 
 With forne great Title, and refounding Name 1 10 
 
 Of
 
 BOOK IV. THE CHACE. ioy 
 
 Of high Import. But cautious here obferve 
 To check their youthful Ardour, nor permit 
 The unexperienc'd Younker, immature, 
 Alone to range the Woods, or haunt the Brakes 
 Where dodging Conies fport: His Nervesunflrung, 
 And Strength unequal j the laborious Chace 
 Shall flint his Growth, and his ram forward Youth 
 Contract fuch vicious Habits, as thy Care 
 And late Correction never mall reclaim. 
 
 WHEN to full Strength arriv'd, mature and bold, 
 Conduct them to the Field 5 not all at once, 
 But as thy cooler Prudence mall direct, 
 Select a few, and form them by Degrees 
 To ftricter Difcipline. With thefe confort 
 The Stanch, and fteddy Sages of thy Pack, 125 
 By long Experience vers'd in all the Wiles, 
 And fubtle Doublings of the various Chace, 
 
 Eafy
 
 106 THE CHACE. BOOK IV. 
 
 Eafy the LefTon of the youthful Train, 
 When InflincT: prompts, and when Example guides. 
 If the too forward Younker at the Head 136 
 
 Prefs boldly on, in wanton fportive Mood, 
 Correct his Hafte, and let him feel abafh'd 
 The ruling Whip. But if he ftoop behind 
 In wary modeft Guife, to his own Nofe 
 Confiding fure j give him full Scope to work 135 
 His winding Way, and with thy Voice applaud 
 His Patience, and his Care ; foon fhalt thou view 
 The hopeful Pupil Leader of his Tribe, 
 And all the IhTning Pack attend his Call. 
 
 OFT lead them forth where wanton Lambkins 
 play, 140 
 
 And bleating Dams with jealous Eyes obferve 
 Their tender Care. If at the crowding Flock 
 He bay prefumptuous, or with eager Hafle 
 
 Purfue
 
 BOOK IV. THE CH ACE. 107 
 
 Purfue them fcatter'd o'er the verdant Plain ; 
 In the foul FacT: attach'd, to the ftrong Ram 145 
 Tye fail the ram Offender. See ! at firft 
 His horn'd Companion, fearful, and amaz'd, 
 Shall drag him trembling o'er the rugged Ground : 
 Then with his Load fatigued, mall turn a Head, 
 And with his curl'd hard Front inceflant peal 150 
 The panting Wretch ; 'till breathlefs and aftunn'd, 
 Stretch'd on the Turf he lie. Then fpare not thou 
 The twining Whip, but ply his bleeding Sides 
 Lam after Lam, and with thy threatening Voice, 
 Harm-echoing from the Hills, inculcate loud 155 
 His vile Offence. Sooner mall trembling Doves 
 Efcap'd the Hawk's fharp Talons, in mid Air, 
 Affail their dang'rous Foe, than he once more 
 Difturb the peaceful Flocks. In tender Age 
 Thus Youth is train'd ; as curious Artifts bend 160 
 
 The
 
 io8 THE CHACE. BOOK IV. 
 
 The taper, pliant Twig j or Potters form 
 Their foft and dudlile Clay to various Shapes. 
 
 NOR is't enough to breed j but to preferve 
 Mufl be the Huntfman's Care. The flanch old 
 
 Hounds, 
 
 Guides of thy Pack, tho' but in Number few, 1 65 
 Are yet of great Account j mall oft untye 
 The Gordian Knot, when Reafon at a ftand 
 Puzzling is loft, and all thy Art is vain. 
 O'er clogging Fallows, o'er dry plafter'd Roads, 
 O'er floated Meads, o'er Plains with Flocks diftain'd 
 Rank-fcenting, thefe muft lead the dubious Way. 
 As Party-Chiefs in Senates who prefide, 
 With pleaded Reafon and with well-turn'd Speech 
 Conduct the flaring Multitude ; fo thefe 
 Diredl: the Pack, who with joint Cry approve, 175 
 And loudly boaft Difcov'ries not their own. 
 
 U N N U M- 
 
 4- 

 
 BOOK IV. THE CM ACE. 109 
 
 LJNNUMB-ER'D Accidents, and various 
 Attend thy Pack, hang hov'ring o'er their Heads^ 
 And point the Way that leads to Death's dark Cave 1 ; 
 Short is their Span - y few at the Date arrive 1 
 Of ancient Argus in old Homer's Song i8d 
 
 So highly honour'd : Kind, fagacious Brute ! 
 Not ev'n Minerva s Wifdom could conceal 
 Thy much lov'd Mafter from thy nicer Senfe. 
 t)ying his Lord he own'd, view'd him all o'er 
 With eager Eyes, then closed thbfe Eyes, well 
 
 pleas'd. i8| 
 
 OF lefler Ills the Mufe declines to 
 Nor ftoops fo low ; of thefe each Groom can tell 
 The proper Remedy. But O \ what Care ! 
 What Prudence can prevent Madnefs, the worft 
 Of Maladies ? Terrifkk Pefi ! that blafts i go 
 
 I The
 
 no THE C HACK BOOK IV. 
 
 The Huntfman's Hopes, and Defolation fpreads 
 
 Thro* all th'unpeopled Kennel unreftrain'd. 
 
 More fatal than th'envenom'd Viper's Bite ; 
 
 Or \hatApulian Spider's pois'nous Sting, 
 
 Heal'd by the pleafing Antidote of Sounds. 195 
 
 WHEN Sinus reigns, and the Sun's parching 
 
 Beams 
 
 Bake the dry gaping Surface, vifit thou 
 Each Ev'n and Morn, with quick obfervant Eye, 
 Thy panting Pack. If in dark fullen Mood, 
 The glouting Hound refufe his wonted Meal, 200 
 Retiring to fome clofe, obfcure Retreat, 
 Gloomy, difconfolate : With Speed remove 
 The poor infectious Wretch, and in flrong Chains 
 Bind him fufpecled. Thus that dire Difeafe 
 Which Art can't cure, wife Caution may prevent. 
 
 BUT
 
 BOOK IV. THE CHACE. in 
 
 j. .' \ 
 
 BUT this neglected, foon expect a Change, 
 A difmal Change, Confufion, Frenzy, Death, 
 Or in fome dark Recefs, the fenfelefs Brute 
 Sits fadly pining : Deep Melancholy, 
 And black Defpair, upon his clouded Brow 2 1O 
 Hang low'ringj from his half- op'ning Jaws 
 The clammy Venom, and infectious Froth, 
 Diftilling fall ; and from his Lungs inflam'd, 
 Malignant Vapours taint the ambient Air, 
 Breathing Perdition : His dim Eyes are glaz'd, 215 
 He droops his penfive Head, his trembling Limbs 
 No more fupport his Weight; abject he lies, 
 Dumb, fpiridefs, benumb'd ; 'till Death at laft 
 Gracious attends, and kindly brings Relief, 
 
 OR if outragious grown, behold alas ! 
 A yet more dreadful Scene ; his glaring Eyes 
 
 I 2 Redden
 
 iii THECHACE. BOOK IV. 
 
 Redden with Fury, like fome angry Boar 
 Churning he foams j and on his Back erect 
 His pointed Briflles rife ; his Tail incurv'd 
 He drops, and with harfh broken Howlings rends 225 
 The poifon-tainted Air, with rough hoarfe Voice 
 IncefTant Bays; and fnuffs th' infectious Breeze; 
 This Way and that he ftares aghaft, and flarts 
 At his own Shade j jealous, as if he deem'd 
 The World his Foes. If haply tow'rd the Stream 230 
 He cail his roving Eye, cold Horror chills 
 His Soul ; averfe he flies, trembling, appall'd. 
 Now frantick to the Kennel's utmoft Verge 
 Raving he runs, and deals Deftruction round. 
 The Pack fly diverfej for whate'er he meets 235 
 Vengeful he bites, and ev'ry Bite is Death. 
 
 IF now perchance thro' the weak Fence efcap'd, 
 Far up the Wind he roves, with open Mouth 
 
 Inhales
 
 THE CH ACE. 113 
 
 Inhales the cooling Breeze, nor Man, nor Beaft 
 He fpares implacable. The Hunter-Horfe 240 
 Once kind Afibciate of his fylvan Toils, 
 (Who haply now without the Kennel's Mound 
 Crops the rank Mead, and lift'ning hears with Joy 
 The chearing Cry, that Morn and Eve falutes 
 His raptur'd Senfe) a wretched Victim falls. 245 
 Unhappy Quadrupede ! no more, alas ! 
 Shall thy fond Matter with his Voice applaud 
 Thy Gentlenefs, thy Speed; or with his Hand 
 Stroke thy foft dappled Sides, as he each Day 
 Vifits thy Stall, well pleas'd; no more malt thou 
 With fprightly Neighings, to the winding Horn, 
 And the loud op'ning Pack in confort join'd, 
 Glad his proud Heart. For oh ! the fecret Wound 
 Rankling inflames, he bites the Ground and dies. 
 
 I 3 HENCE
 
 Ii 4 THE CHACE. BOOK IV. 
 
 HENCE to the Village with pernicious Hafte 255 
 Baleful he bends his Courfe: The Village flies 
 Alarm'd ; the tender Mother in her Arms, 
 Hugs clofe the trembling Babe; the Doors are barr'd, 
 And flying Curs by native Inftinft taught, 
 Shun the contagious Bane; the ruftick Bands 260 
 Hurry to Arms, the rude Militia feize 
 Whatever at hand they find; Clubs, Forks, or Guns 
 From ev'ry Quarter charge the furious Foe, 
 In wild Diforder, and uncouth Array : 
 "Tjll now with Wounds on Wounds opprefs'd and 
 
 gor'd 265 
 
 At one fhor{ pois'nous Gafp he breaths his laft. 
 
 HENCE to the Kennel, Mufe, return, and view, 
 With heavy Heart that Hofpital of Woe; 
 Where Horror flalks at large, infatiate Death 
 
 Sits
 
 BooKlV. THE CHACE. uy 
 
 Sits growling o'er his Prey : Each Hour prefents 270 
 A diff'rent Scene of Ruin and Diftrefs. 
 How bufy art thou, Fate ! and how fevere 
 Thy pointed Wrath ! the Dying and the Dead 
 Promifcuous lye; o'er thefe the Living fight 
 In one eternal Broil j not confcious why, 275 
 
 Nor yet with whom. So Drunkards in their Cups, 
 Spare not their Friends, while fenfelefs Squabble 
 reigns. 
 
 HUNTSMAN ! it much behooves thee to avoid 
 The perilous Debate ! Ah ! rouze up all 
 Thy Vigilance, and tread the treach'rous Ground 280 
 With careful Step. Thy Fires unquench'd preferve, 
 As erft the Veftal Flame; the pointed Steel 
 In the hot Embers hide ; and if furpriz'd 
 Thou feel'ft the deadly Bite, quick urge it home 
 Into the recent Sore, and cauterize 285 
 
 I 4 Th<?
 
 xitf THECHACE. BOOK IV. 
 
 The WouncJ; fpare not {hy Flefh, nor dread th' 
 
 Event : 
 Yulcan {hall fave, when JEfculapius fails. 
 
 HERE, fhou'd the knowing Mufe recount the 
 
 Means 
 
 To flop this growing Plague. And here, alas ! 
 Each Hand prefents a fov'reign Cure, and boafts 290 
 Infallibility, but boafls in vain. 
 On this depend, each to his fep'rate Seat 
 Confine, in Fetters bound j give each his Mefs 
 Apart, his Range in open Air ; and then 
 If deadly Symptoms to thy Grief appear j 295 
 
 Devote the Wretch, and let him greatly fall, 
 A gen'rous Victim for the publick Weal. 
 
 SING, philofophick Mufe, the dire Effects 
 Of this contagious Bite on haplefsMan. 
 
 The
 
 BOOK IV. THE CHACE. 117 
 
 The ruftick Swains, by long Tradition taught 300 
 Of Leeches old, as foon as they perceive 
 The Bite imprefs'd, to the Sea-Coafls repair. 
 Plung'd in the briny Flood, th' unhappy Youth 
 Now journeys home fecure; but foon (hall wifh 
 The Seas as yet had cover'd him beneath 305 
 
 The foaming Surge, full many a Fathom deep. 
 A Fate more difmal, and fuperior Ills 
 Hang o'er his Head devoted. When the Moon 
 doling her monthly round, return* again 
 To glad the Night ; or when full-orb'd me mines 310 
 High in the Vault of Heav'n j the lurking Peft 
 Begins the dire Affault. The pois'nous Foam 
 
 Thro* the deep Wound inftill'd with hoftile Rage, 
 
 
 
 And all its fiery Particles faline, 
 Invades th' arterial Fluid j whofe red Waves 3 15 
 Tempeftuous heave, and their Cohefion broke, 
 Fermenting boil ; inteftine War enfues, 
 
 And
 
 n8 THE CHACE. BOOK IV. 
 
 And Order to Confufion turns embroil'd. 
 
 Now the diftended Veflels fcarcc contain 
 
 The wild Uproar, but prefs each weaker Part, 320 
 
 Unable to refift : The tender Brain, 
 
 And Stomach fuffer moft; Convulfions fhake 
 
 His trembling .Nerves, and wand'ring pungent 
 
 Pains 
 
 Pinch fore the fleeplefs Wretch; his flutt'ring Pulfe 
 Oft intermits j penfive, and fad, he mourns 325 
 His cruel Fate, and to his weeping Friends 
 Laments in vain ; to hafly Anger prone, 
 Refents each flight Offence, walks with quick Step, 
 And wildly flares ; at laft with boundlefs Sway 
 The Tyrant Frenzy reigns. For as the Dog, 330 
 ( Whofe fatal Bite convey 'd th' infectious Bane) 
 Raving he foams, and howls, and barks, and bates. 
 Like Agitations in his boiling Blood 
 Prefent like Species to his troubled Mind > 
 
 His
 
 BooKlV. THE CHACE. 119 
 
 His Nature, and his Actions all canine. 335 
 
 So as (old Homer fang) th' Aflbciates wild 
 
 Of wand'ring Ifbacus, by Circe's Charms 
 
 To Swine transform'd, ran gruntling thro' the Groves* 
 
 Dreadful Example to a wicked World! 
 
 See there diftrefs'd he lies ! parch'd up with Thirft, 
 
 But dares not drink. 'Till now at laft his Soul 
 
 Trembling efcapes, her noifome Dungeon leaves, 
 
 And to fome purer Region wings away. 
 
 ONE Labour yet remains, celeftial Maid ! 
 Another Element demands thy Song. 345 
 
 No more o'er craggy Steeps, thro* Coverts thick * 
 With pointed Thorn, and Briers intricate, 
 Urge on with Horn and Voice the painful Pack : 
 But fkim with wanton Wing th' irriguous Vale, 
 Where winding Streams amid the flow'ry Meads 350 
 Perpetual glide along j and undermine 
 
 The
 
 no THE CHACE. BooicIV. 
 
 The cavern'd Banks, by the tenacious Roots 
 Of hoary Willows arch'd; gloomy Retreat 
 Of the bright fcaly Kind; where they at Will, 
 On the green wat'ry Reed their Failure graze, 355 
 Suck the moift Soil, or flumber at their Bale, 
 Rock'd by the reftlefs Brook, that draws aflope 
 Its humid Train, and laves their dark Abodes. 
 Where rages not Oppreffion ? Where, alas ! 
 Is Innocence fecure? Rapine and Spoil 360 
 
 Haunt ev'n the lowed Deeps j Seas have their Sharks, 
 Rivers and Ponds inclos'd, the rav'nous Pikes 
 He in his Turn becomes a Prey -, on him 
 Th' amphibious Otter feafts. Juft is his Fate 
 Deferv'd: But Tyrants know no Bounds ; nor Spears 
 That brittle on his Back, defend the Perch 
 From his wide greedy Jaws ; nor burnifh'd Mail 
 The yellow Carp 5 nor all his Arts can fave 
 Th' infmuating Eel, that hides his Head 
 
 Beneath
 
 BOOK IV. THE CHACE. in 
 
 Beneath the flimy Mud ; nor yet efcapes 370 
 
 The crimfon-fpotted Trout, the River's Pride, 
 And Beauty of the Stream. Without Remorfe, 
 This midnight Pillager ranging around, 
 Infatiate fwallows all. The Owner mourns 
 Th' unpeopled Rivulet, and gladly hears 375 
 
 ' The Huntfman's early Call, and fees with Joy 
 The jovial Crew, that march upon its Banks 
 In gay Parade, with bearded Lances arm'd. 
 
 THIS fubtle Spoiler of the Beaver kind, 
 Far off perhaps, where ancient Alders made 380 
 The deep ftill Poolj within fome hollow Trunk 
 Contrives his wicker Couch : Whence he furveys 
 His long Purlieu, Lord of the Stream, and all 
 The finny Shoals his own. But you, brave Youths, 
 Difpute the Felon's Claim ; try ev'ry Root, 385 
 And ev'ry reedy Bank; encourage all 
 
 The
 
 ill THE CHACE. BOOK IV. 
 
 The bufy-fpreading Pack, that fearlefs plunge 
 Into the Flood, and crofs the rapid Stream. 
 Bid Rocks, and Caves, and each refounding Shore, 
 Proclaim your bold Defiance; loudly raife 390 
 Each chearing Voice, 'till diflant Hills repeat 
 The Triumphs of the Vale. On the foft Sand 
 See there his Seal imprefs'd ! and on that Bank 
 Behold the glitt'ring Spoils, half-eaten Fifh, 
 Scales, Fins, and Bones, the Leavings of his Feaft. 
 Ah! on that yielding Sag-bed, fee, once more 
 His Seal I view. O'er yon dank rufhy Marfh 
 The fly Goofe-footed Proler bends his Courfe, 
 And leeks the diflant Shallows. Huntfman, bring 
 Thy eager Pack; and trail him to his Couch. 400 
 Hark! the loud Peal begins, the clam'rous Joy, 
 The gallant Chiding, loads the trembling Air. 
 
 YE
 
 BooKlV. THE CHACE. 113 
 
 YE Naiads fair, who o'er thefe Floods prefide, 
 Raife up your dripping Heads above the Wave, 
 And hear our Melody. Th' harmonious Notes 405 
 Float with the Stream ; and ev'ry winding Creek 
 And hollow Rock, that o'er the dimpling Flood 
 Nods pendant; flill improve from Shore to Shore 
 Our fweet reiterated Joys. What Shouts ! 
 What Clamour loud! What gay heart-cheariag 
 
 Sounds 410 
 
 Urge thro' the breathing Brafs their mazy Way! 
 Not Quires of Tritons glad with fprightlier Strains 
 The dancing Billows; when proud Neptune rides 
 In Triumph o'er the Deep. How greedily 
 They muff the fimy Steam, that to each Blade 415 
 Rank-fcenting clings ! See ! how the Morning Dews 
 They fweep, that from their Feet befprinkling drop 
 Difpers'd, and leave a Track oblique behind. 
 
 i Now
 
 i*4 THE CHACE. BOOK IV. 
 
 Now on firm Land they range j then in the Flood 
 They plunge tumultuous; or thro* reedy Pools 420 
 Ruftling they work their Way : no Holt efcapes 
 Their curious Search. With quick Senfation now 
 The fuming Vapour flings j flutter their Hearts, 
 -And Joy redoubled burfts from ev'ry Mouth, 
 In louder Symphonies. Yon hollow Trunk, 42 5 
 That with its hoary Head incurv'd, falutes 
 The paffing Wave ; muft be the Tyrant's Fort, 
 And dread abode. How thefe impatient climb, 
 While others at the Root inceflant Bay : 
 They put him down. See, there he dives along! 430 
 Th' afcending Bubbles mark his gloomy Way. 
 Quick fix the Nets, and cut off his Retreat 
 Into the flielt'ring Deeps. Ah, there he vents ! 
 The Pack plunge headlong, and protended Spears 
 Menace Deftrudion. While the troubled Surge 435 
 Indignant foams, and all the fcaly Kind 
 
 Affrighted,
 
 BOOK IV. THE CH ACE. ny 
 
 Affrighted, hide their Heads. Wild Tumult reigns, 
 And loud Uproar. Ah, there once more he vents ! 
 See, that bold Hound has feiz'd him 5 down they 
 
 fink, 
 
 Together loft : But foon fhall he repent 440 
 
 His ram Affault. See, there efcap'd, he flies 
 Half drown'd, and clambers up the flipp'ry Bank 
 With Ouze and Blood diflain'd. Of all the Brutes, 
 Whether by Nature form'd, or by long Ufe, 
 This artful Diver beft can bear the Want 445 
 
 Of vital Air. Unequal is the Fight, 
 Beneath the whelming Element. Yet there 
 He lives not long; but Refpiration needs 
 At proper Intervals. Again he vents; 
 Again the Crowd attack. That Spear has pierc'd 450 
 His Neck; the crimfon Waves confefs the Wound. 
 Fix'd is the bearded Lance, unwelcome Gueft, 
 Where-e'er he flies; with him it finks beneath, 
 
 K With
 
 u6 THE CHACE. BOOK IV. 
 
 With him it mounts 5 fure Guide to ev'ry Foe. 
 Inly he groans, nor can his tender Wound 455 
 Bear the cold Stream. Lo ! to yon fedgy Bank 
 He creeps difconfolate ; his num'rous Foes 
 Surround him, Hounds, and Men. Pierc'd thro* 
 
 and thro', 
 
 On pointed Spears they lift him high in Air; 
 Wriggling he hangs, and grins, and bites in vain: 
 Bid the loud Horns, in gayly- warbling Strains, 
 Proclaim the Felon's Fate; he dies, he dies, 
 
 REJOICE, ye fcaly Tribes, and leaping dance 
 
 r 
 Above the Wave, in Sign of Liberty 
 
 Reftor'd; the cruel Tyrant is no more. 465 
 
 Rejoice fecure and blefs'd j did not as yet 
 Remain, fome of your own rapacious Kind ; 
 And Man, fierce Man, with all his various Wiles, 
 
 $1 OHap,
 
 BOOK IV. THE CH ACE. 127 
 
 O Happy ! if ye knew your happy State, 
 Ye Rangers of the Fields ; whom Nature boon 470 
 Chears with her Smiles, and ev'ry Element 
 Confpires to blefs. What, if no Heroes frown 
 From marble Pedeftalsj nor Raphael's Works, 
 Nor Titian's lively Tints, adorn our Walls ? 
 Yet thefe the meaneft of us may behold ; 475 
 
 And at another's Coft may feaft at Will 
 Our wond'ring Eyes j what can the Owner more ? 
 But vain, alas ! is Wealth, not grac'd with Pow'r. 
 The flow'ry Landfkip, and the gilded Dome, 
 And Viftas op'ning to the wearied Eye, 480 
 
 Thro* all his wide Domain ; the planted Grove, 
 The fhrubby Wildernefs, with its gay Choir 
 Of warbling Birds, can't lull to foft Repofe 
 Th'ambitious Wretch, whofe difcontented Soul 
 Is harrow'd Day and Night j he njourns, he pines, 
 
 K 2 Until
 
 n8 THECHACE. BooicIV. 
 
 Until his Prince's Favour makes him great. 
 See there he comes, th'exalted Idol comes ! 
 The Circle's form'd, and all his fawning Slaves 
 Devoutly bow to Earth ; from ev'ry Mouth 
 The naufeous Flatt'ry flows, which he returns 490 
 With Promifes, that die as foon as born. 
 Vile Intercourfe ! where Virtue has no Place. 
 Frown but the Monarch ; all his Glories fade ; 
 He mingles with the Throng, outcaft, undone, 
 The Pageant of a Day; without one Friend 495 
 To footh his tortur'd Mind; all, all are fled. 
 For tho' they bafk'd in his meridian Ray, 
 The Infedls vanifh, as his Beams decline. 
 
 NOT fuch our Friends; for here no dark Defign, 
 No wicked Int'reft bribes the venal Heart; 500 
 But Inclination to our Bofom leads, 
 
 And 
 I
 
 BOOK IV. THE CHACE. 
 
 And weds them there for Life; our focial Cups 
 Smile, aswefmile; open, and unreferv'd. 
 Wefpeakour inmoft Souls; good Humour, Mirth, 
 Soft Complaifance, and Wit from Malice free, 505 
 Smooth ev'ry Brow, and glow on ev'ry Cheek. 
 
 O Happinefs fincere ! what Wretch wou'd groan 
 Beneath the galling Load of Pow'r, or walk 
 Upon the flipp'ry Pavements of the Great, 
 Who thus cou'd reign, unenvy'd and fecure? 510 
 
 YE guardian Pow'rs who make Mankind your Care, 
 Give me to know wife Nature's hidden Depths, 
 Trace each myfterious Caufe, with Judgment read 
 Th' expanded Volume, and fubmifs adore 
 That great creative Will, who at a Word 515 
 
 Spoke forth the wond'rous Scene. But if my Soul 
 
 To
 
 130 THECHACE. BooKlV. 
 
 To this grofs Clay confin'd, flutters on Earth 
 With lefs ambitious Wing j unfkill'd to range 
 From Orb to Orb, where Newton leads the Way j 
 And view with piercing Eyes, the grand Machine, 
 Worlds above Worlds ; fubfervient to his Voice, 
 Who veil'd in clouded Majefty, alone 
 Gives Light to all ; bids the great Syflem move, 
 And changeful Seafons in their Turns advance, 
 Unmov'd, unchang'd, himfelf. Yet this at leaft 525 
 Grant me propitious, an inglorious Life, 
 Calm and ferene, nor loft in falfe Purfuits 
 Of Wealth or Honours ; but enough to raife 
 My drooping Friends, preventing modeft Want, 
 That dares not afk. And if to crown my Joys, 530 
 Ye grant me Health, that, ruddy in my Cheeks, 
 Blooms in my Life's Decline j Fields, Woods, and 
 Streams, 
 
 Each
 
 BOOK IV. THE CHACE. 131 
 
 Each tow'ring Hill, each humble Vale below, 
 Shall hear my chearing Voice, my Hounds fhall wake 
 The lazy Morn, and glad th' Horizon round. 535 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 Page 32. Line 3. for HAIR, read HAUL,

 
 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 
 
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