The Sports Of The Field Poem by Capel Lofft

Sports of the field!-deadly or maiming blow
Aimed at a gentle bird!-the timid hare
From her half slumber in warm brake to scare
And drive her over the track-betraying snow
To death, by chase embittered-from the bow
The rook, not yet of strength to cleave the air,
To slaughter trembling on the nest!-to tear
The bowels of the fish deliberate, slow,
Play with the agonizing worm!-to find
Amusement when the dauntless fox is torn
By furious dogs-or when the beauteous hind,
Winged by her unavailing fears, is borne
From yells of hounds and horn-or the stag dies
With silent tear!-Thus man enjoys earth, water, skies!