To Lord Wharncliffe, on his game bill

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To Lord Wharncliffe, on his game bill

I’m fond of partridges, I’m fond of snipes,
I’m fond of blackcocks, for they’re very good cocks –
I’m fond of wild ducks, and I’m fond of woodcocks,
And grouse, that set up such strange moorish pipes.

I’m fond of pheasants with their splendid stripes –
I’m fond of hares, whether from Whig or Tory –
I’m fond of capercailzies in their glory, -
Teal, widgeons, plovers, birds in all their types:

All these are in your care, law-giving Peer,
And when you next address your Lordly Babel,
Some clause put in your Bill, precise and clear,

With due and fit provision to enable
A man that holds all kinds of game so dear
To keep, like Crockford, a good Gaming Table.