True, I some stragglers overtook, Near Leehead, with their lambs; And all the rest had cross’d the brook, But these indulgent dams: The fugitives fecundity, Allow’d of no delay; Yet found it would difficult be, More to collect that day. Myself fatigu’d, and found my nag, Fail of his wonted powers; For want of food we both did fag, By trav’ling twelve long hours. So I resolved then to ride Home at an easy pace; A gross of hand-bills to provide, And hence resume the chase. PART II. _March 5th, 1811._ Next day to the Thatchmeadows, I (The forest skirts to scour) Coldrife, and Quarryhouse pass’d by, To Newbiggin’s bleak moor: Bullbush, Blueburn, and Blagdon Brakes, I carefully did scan; But none on these extensive tracts, Were seen by any man. Ward’s Intake, Hut, and Shepherd’s Shield, Coldside, and Moralhurst; By Forestburn, and Meadowfield, To Holyhill I cours’d: Hence Lordenshaws, and Garlyside, Crook, Loaning, Stewardshill; But disappointments did preside, O’er expectations still. By the Sheephurst, to Brockleyhall, And Turnbull’s steed I steer’d; And at each peasant’s cot did call, That in my path appear’d: To the Two Raws, and Butterknows, I posted on with speed, Where I was told some of my ewes Cross’d Coquet at Craghead. Resolv’d the south side first to seek, I rang’d that rocky hill, ’Till I explor’d the ’Squires Peak; Herd’s House, and Little Mill, By Wagtailhall, and Sandyheughs, To Rothbury then did ride; To feed, refresh, and hear what news; Then search the other side. Hence by Knocklaw, and Tumbleton, And ev’ry scatter’d cot, Through Debdon Dale--and I anon By Wintercove did trot, To Rimside Inn, to bait and bouse;-- From Framlington, Blacksow, To Flambrohead, and Wholluphouse, But could not find a ewe. From Frostyfolds, to Whitefield House, Chilhope, and Cragend Scars, Where they and lambs might lurk recluse, Unless rous’d unawares;-- By Healy, Hope, Lynn, and Woodhead, To Healycoat I trudg’d, To Cockshot, Brinkburn, and Todstead, Where for that night I lodg’d. PART III. _March 6th, 1811._ Good fortune still attends the brave, As at an early hour, Intelligence a stranger gave, Where to extend my tour: I sprung my gelding to full speed, ’Till I explor’d the spot, And found by dint of heels my steed To the rear rank had got. First three I found on Thropton Hill, There basking with their brood; The rest were seen from Snitter Mill, Past Cartington to crowd: From Silverside, by Lorbottle, To Trewhit Mains I march’d, By Netherton, through Screnwood Dell, And Fawdon Fell I search’d.