Knole and the Sackvilles

by V. Sackville-West

DUCK HUNTING

Hard by where Knole’s exalted towers rise

Upon a green smooth plain a pond there lies,

With verdant grass encircled round, a place

Seated commodiously the duck to chase.

Here in the heat of day the youths for sport

With well-taught spaniels to the pond resort.

The youths on ev’ry side the pond surround,

With fav’ring cries the hollow woods resound.

The eager dogs with barking rend the skies