By R. H. a Lover of the Sport,
And a Friend to such as delight in Military Discipline.
Quem recitas meus est, O Fidentine Libellus,
Sed male cum recitas incipit esse tuus.
LONDON: Printed for D. Brown, at the Black Swan
without Temple-bar, and T. Ballard, at the
Rising-Sun in Little-britain. 1709.
To the Right Worshipful
Sir T. V. Knight.
Worthy Sir,
I Presume I need not here insist upon the long acquaintance, and friendship that has passed betwixt us, to press you to the Patronage of this little BOOK, when there are so many other considerations that in a manner force it upon you, as having a certain right to it; Cocking being not only to you a hereditary Divertisment, which for many Ages together has by your Valiant Ancestors been carefully handed down to their Posterity, with marks of the greatest love and Honour imaginable, as when your loyal Grand-father lay Bleeding and Dying on his Turfey Beed, was thus (like a good Subject) heard to say, My King and a good Cock I ever loved, and like a good Cock in my dread Sovereign’s service I shall now expire.
Also your Prudent Father and both your Uncles from their Infancy were great admirers of the Noble Science of Cocking.