Page:The Chace - Somervile (1735).djvu/125

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Book IV.
THE CHACE.
105
Of high Import. But cautious here observe
To check their youthful Ardour, nor permit
The unexperienc'd Younker, immature,
Alone to range the Woods, or haunt the Brakes
Where dodging Conies sport: His Nerves unstrung,
And Strength unequal; the laborious Chace
Shall stint his Growth, and his rash forward Youth
Contract such vicious Habits, as thy Care
And late Correction never shall reclaim.

When to full Strength arriv'd, mature and bold,
Conduct them to the Field; not all at once,
But as thy cooler Prudence shall direct,
Select a few, and form them by Degrees
To stricter Discipline. With these consort
The Stanch, and steddy Sages of thy Pack, 125
By long Experience vers'd in all the Wiles,
And subtle Doublings of the various Chace.

Easy