When join'd in the chase, fly Reynard…

When join'd in the chase, fly Reynard in view, On high mettled coursers, with haste we pursue, And follow the foe through the glade; Away to the vale he scours it full speed. Then darts thro' the hedge, the dogs to mislead, Awhile he lies close in the shade; The covert be breaks, Then down the lane takes, And drooping his brush drags along; Till panting he stops— Surrounded he drops, A prey to the fleet-footed throng. At length the chase is o'er, the horn's jocund sound, To invite those thrown out, floats echoes around; They hear the glad call and obey. From the death to the flask we hie to regale— Diana we toast in full bumpers of ale, And merrily finish the day: Brisk liquor we quaff, We sing, joke and laugh; Good humour adorns ev'ry face: We jolly boys are Sworn strangers to care, Who delight in the joys of the chase.