“Oh! what avails the largest gifts of heaven
When drooping health and spirits go amiss?
How tasteless then whatever can be given;
Health is the vital principle of bliss.”
“Lick that stain off your flank,” said Trimbush, pointing to the dirt on my side.
“Why should I be so particular?” replied I, obeying his instructions, “we don’t go out to-day.”
“No,” rejoined he; “but the Squire’s coming to inspect us, and, I suppose, you’d like to appear nice and comely in his eyes.”
“What do you mean by that?” I asked, applying my tongue more diligently to the completion of my toilet.
“You’ll see in a few minutes,” added Trimbush, “and if everything isn’t in gingerly order, I’ll bet a week’s meal and broth, those will hear of it who are responsible for their neglect.”
The greatest neatness and cleanliness were always observed in our kennel; but I noticed old Mark had put a polish on his shoes, and a white neckerchief was tied, with much skill displayed in the bow, round his throat. Will Sykes, too, Tom Holt, and Ned Adams, upon entering the court, exhibited more care than usual in their dress on non-hunting days.