THE OLD COUNTRY SQUIRE. (To THE EDITOR or THE "
SPECTATOR.") SIR,—I used to hear the song sent you by " R. P." called " The Old Country Squire " many years ago, and I got the words and musio from Mr. Joseph Williams, 24 Berners Street, London. It is prac- tically identical with the words set out in the Spectator of December 2nd. " R. P." has omitted the following verses :-
"O'er hedge and gate and stile he'd go nor stop at ditch or brook, And many a Melton Mowbray swell would shirk the leaps he took. 'Tams a glorious sight to see him thro' a bullfinch make a gap, With his pigtail like a drumstick sticking out behind his cap.
His rent day was at Michaelmas, held in his fine old hall, Where portraits, arms and heads of deer bedecked the panelled wall.
'Twas his custom, and a good one, with his tenantry to dine, And the first toast that he gave was in a gold cup filled with win* (Rich and rare and sparkling wine it was such as seldom tasted now) The King and Royal Family and God speed the plough.' Amen, exclaimed the vicar, by his patron sitting near; The farmers drained their bumpers and each gave a hearty cheer."
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