The poetical works of John Nicholson ... Carefully edited from the original editions, with additional notes and a sketch of his life and writings. By W. G. Hird |
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 | The poetical works of John Nicholson |  |
107
The plan of ev'ry distant park he knew;
Described each gateway where he hung the net,
And ev'ry hedge, where oft his wire he set;
Marked out the fish-ponds, and the river's flood,
The pheasants' haunts, and where the villa stood.
“Upon this spot,” said he, “one stormy night,
“When darkest clouds obscured the moon's pale light,
“I stood alone, while Stormer ranged the plain,
“And five strong hares within my net were slain!
“And here the place where I my tackling hide
“When lusty keepers press on ev'ry side;
“And here, within the wood, the lonely dell,
“Where oft I fired, and sleeping pheasants fell.
“Here stands the tree to which the cord is tied,
“And there my game across the river ride;
“Then I the bridge securely travel o'er,
“And none take oath that murdered game I bore.”
The junior poachers silent sit and gaze,
And give with joy the senior poacher praise.
| The poetical works of John Nicholson | |