Page:Cynegetica.djvu/24

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8
Introduction.

ſentimental Heroes[1], The Man of Feeling himſelf.

While I am thus defending the general principle of our Game Laws, I do not mean to ſtand forth as their Champion in every reſpect; they want great alteration as to the objects both of their penalties[2] and exemptions,

  1. This gentleman, drawn as a pattern of peculiar milkineſs of diſpoſition, is betrayed once into the following bitter imprecations:

    "Curſes on his narrow heart, that could violate a right ſo ſacred! Heaven blaſt the wretch!

    And from his derogate body never ſpring
    A babe to honor him!"————

    And what are the ſacred rights whoſe cruel violation has drawn ſuch heavy curſes from ſo mild a boſom? Why the 'Squire of the pariſh "pulled down an old cottage, that had been a ſchool, to open his proſpect;" and "plowed up a green where the boys uſed to play, becauſe they hurt the fence on the other ſide of it."

  2. That a man of one hundred pounds a year may deſtroy the Game with impunity on any one's land, and that a per-
ſon