Page:Poets of John Company.djvu/47



Next morning's sun had just arisen, And drove the dusky clouds from heaven. Ere Qui Hai, on his Arab horse. Set off to find Byculla course; Where, 'twas determin'd, ev'ry man Should meet before the hunt began. Their breakfast now the sportsmen take. Merely a "plug of malt," and steak, The bugle's signal now, of course, Summon'd the bobbery to horse: They get the word, and off they move, In all directions, to Love-Grove. A jackass, buff'lo, or tattoo. The sportsmen anxiously pursue. Old women join the beasts in running: "The jungle wallas now are coming!" A loud "view-hollo" now is given: "A dog, a Paria, by heaven! "Surround him—there he goes—a-head: "Put all your horses to their speed." He's lost—the knave has taken cover! Old L—n now perceives another. "Hark! forward, sportsmen—'tis the same: "The rascal he shews famous game. "See how the fellow scours along, "In a direction to Ghirghon: "Dash after him; he turns again; "We'll find him on Byculla plain. "Oh luckless! we have lost all hope— "He's taken cover in a tope." Thus spoke the huntsman, and he swore He'd find him, or he'd hunt no more.