For as the Etruscans (says Athenaeus)
were so luxurious that they used to flog their slaves to the sound of
the flute, so shall luxurious Chanter and Challenger, Sweet-lips and
Melody, eat thee to the sound of rich organ-pipes, that so thou
mayest,
'Like that old fabled swan, in music die.
And now appear, dim at first and distant, but brightening and nearing
fast, many a right good fellow and many a right good horse. I know
three out of four of them, their private histories, the private
histories of their horses: and could tell you many a good story of
them: but shall not, being an English gentleman, and not an American
litterateur. They may not all be very clever, or very learned, or
very anything except gallant men; but they are all good enough
company for me, or anyone; and each has his own specialite, for which
I like him. That huntsman I have known for fifteen years, and sat
many an hour beside his father's death-bed. I am godfather to that
whip's child. I have seen the servants of the hunt, as I have the
hounds, grow up round me for two generations, and I feel for them as
old friends; and like to look into their brave, honest, weather-
beaten faces.
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