"Bachelor's Hall Plate IV"

by F. C. Turner

Print from an Engraving

Paper Size: 18 x 21 ins / 46 x 53 cm

Image Size: 14 x 16 ins / 34 x 40 cm

One of six plates, originally published in 1844. These photogravures were issued by J. McCormack, 147 Strand. The set reveals as much about the social aspects of the hunt as about the chase itself. Each plate bears a couple of verses complementing the scene depicted. The first plate extends a welcome: "To Bachelor's Hall we good fellows invite,
To partake of the Chase that makes up our delight,
We have spirits of fire and of health such a stock
That our pulse strikes the seconds as true as a clock".
The second acclaims the steeds and the pack:
"And for hounds our opinions with thousands we'll back
That all England throughout can't produce such a pack".
The third introduces individual riders, for instance: "Dick Thickset came mounted upon a fine black
A better fleet gelding ne'er hunter did back".

The fourth sings the praises of favourite hounds - Nimble, Hawk's Eye, Plunge and the rest - describing their special aptitudes.

Plate Five describes the eventual capture and death of the fox,
"While the Squire on his gallant Grey leading the group
Gave the wild cheer of triumph, the thrilling 'Whoo Whoop'! and all are exhorted to "drink to the joys of the next coming day".

And, finally, "Sly Reynard's brought home while the horns sound a call
And now you're all welcome to Bachelor's Hall... Come on then do honour to this jovial place
And enjoy the sweet pleasures that spring from the chase".


watermarks do not appear on prints