Classic Poem

The moment Aurora peep'd into my room,
I put on my cloaths, and I call'd to my groom;
And, my head heavy still, from the fumes of last night
Took a bumper of brandy to set all things right;
And now were well saddled Fleet, Dapple, and Grey,
Who seem'd longing to hear the glad sound hark away.

II.

Will Whistle by this had uncoupled his hounds,
Whose extacy nothing could keep within bounds;
First forward came Jowler', then Scentwell, then Snare,
Three better staunch harriers ne'er started hare;
Then Sweetlips, then Driver, then Staunch, and then Tray,
All ready to open at hark, hark away.

III.

'Twas now by the clock about five in the morn,
And we all gallop'd off to the sound of the horn;
Jack Gater, Bill Babler, and Dick at the gun,
And by this time the merry Tom Fairplay made one,
Who, while we were jogging on blithesome and gay,
Sung a song, and the chorus was — Hark, hark away.

IV.

And now Jemmy Lurcher had every bush beat,
And no signs of madam, nor trace of her feet;
Nay, we just had began our hard fortunes to curse,
When all of a sudden out starts Mistress Puss;
Men, horses, and dogs all the glad call obey,
And echo was heard to cry — Hark, hark away.

V.

The chase was a fine one, she took o'er the plain.
Which she doubled, and doubled, and doubled again;
Till at last she to cover return'd out of breath,
Where I and Will Whistle were in at the death;
Then in triumph for you I the hare did display,
And cry'd, to the horns my boys, hark, hark away: