Twas early spring in 48
And hounds were running strong.
The rugged hills o'er Kirkstone pass
Re echoed with their song.
Well reynard knew the fate in store,
In vain he doubled back.
No trick he knew could now avail
'Gainst that famed ullswater pack
But fate that guards o' er man and beast
Came now to succour him.
A cleft stood open in the rocks
And reynard dashed within.
But once again did fortune frown,
Death followed in his wake,
For butcher and badger they were there
To put his life at stake.
What happened then is only a guess.
No man will ever know.
Sun