The Foxhound's Prayer

The FoxHound's Prayer

Cherish us for our courage

Instead of our looks;

Look on us more as comrades

And less like picture books.

Breed to the strains that serve you

The best throughout the chase,

Remember that your stewardship

Spell trust to our face.

The duty now before you

Is not to "mess us up",

And not go running riot

To gain some silver cup.

Condition us and feed us

As carefully as you know,

So that no fox, however stout,

Can ever make us blow.

And don't distract us, Master,

When threading out a line!

Mistake now foxhound's challenge

For silly puppy's whine!

Your streaming horse keep from us,

Or we can't find the scent,

If to a holloa should you lift

Show us which way he went.

Should roads be rough, or stony,

We'll pick and choose our tracks,

Don't let your eager servants

Drive us by their whip cracks.

Let's lap a drop of water

When we have caught your fox,

And when grown old serving you,

Don't leave us on the rocks.

You need but treat us kindly,

And we'll work hard for you,

Much more can we do for you,

Than you could ever do.

We'll fairly catch your foxes

If you'll but trust in us,

And should we for an instant check

Don't fly into a fuss.

For, if you will but watch us

'Til we're beat at last

When handle us you have to

You'll make a brilliant cast!

Your fame will spread as a huntsman,

Your praise will go the rounds,

The reason being that we are

A clinking pack of hounds.

So don't think "Man's a hunter!"

It's strictly a hound's game.

Hunters we are by birthright

You are but one in name.

So if you never cheat us,

And always treat us well

We'll hunt your fox "from Hanover,

into the depths of Hell!"

We'll fly straight to your "halloa!"

Or notes upon the horn,

The field will say "By Jingo"

The finest huntsman born!"

We'll tell you now our secret

In whispers (not above),

It's but our way of thanking you

And showing our love.

-Author Unknown

Found this poem in the 11/2020 edition

of "HOUNDS" magazine.