IV.
Thronged was the hostel’s chambered space,
With peer, with baron, knight, and squire,
And many a waiting man in lace
Stood ready round the kitchen fire,
Attentive to the jirking wire;
For each attendant knew full well
The jirking of his master’s bell.
I’ll say the sportsmen all are dressed,
Have doffed their morning’s spattered vest,
And after salutation meet,
And question after lady fair,
Each at the board has ta’en his seat;
For ev’ry sportsman had his chair.