 | Hunting Songs |  |
103
Highwayside.
A FAVOURITE FIXTURE DURING THE CHESHIRE DIFFICULTY.
I
Rare luck for the Cheshire, warn'd out from the field,That the Highway such endless diversion can yield;
That the Huntsman can still with no covers to draw,
Blow his horn on the road without breaking the law.
II
'Twixt highways and byeways still ringing the change,From gravel and sand to McAdam they range;
When quite on the pavé their gallop restrain,
And a jogtrot enjoy down a hard Cheshire lane.
III
Steeds good in dirt, let the feather-weights urgeSlapdash through the mud that encumbers the verge,
104
Shouting, Ibis in medio tutissimus.
IV
They may jump on and off o'er the broken stone heap,In triangular fenders find timber to leap,
The towing path too may afford them a run
Just to keep the game going and vary the fun.
V
No alarm the most timid old gentleman feels,Babes may perambulate, hunting on wheels;
Dyspepsy and gout the amusement may share,
So go it, ye cripples! and take a Bath chair.
VI
The use of the milestone, now coaching is done,Is to measure exactly the length of a run;
While each tap on the road they alternately try,
Till Tom sees two double with only one eye.
VII
With such sport has this mud-larking lately supplied 'em,The Huntsman has call'd his crack horse Rodum-Sidum,
105
Highwayside for their fixture the whole season through?
1856.
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