He is flattered, too, if that be of
any avail to him. How he is flattered ! What may be done in this
way to Lord Mayors by common councilmen who like Mansion-house
crumbs, I do not know; but kennel crumbs must be very sweet to a
large class of sportsmen. Indeed, they are so sweet that almost
every man will condescend to flatter the master of hounds. And
ladies too, all the pretty girls delight to be spoken to by the
master ! He needs no introduction, but is free to sip all the
sweets that come. Who will not kiss the toe of his boots, or
refuse to be blessed by the sunshine of his smile ?
But there are heavy duties, deep responsibilities, and much true
heart-felt anxiety to stand as makeweight against all these
sweets. The master of hounds, even though he take no part in the
actual work of hunting his own pack, has always his hands full of
work. He is always learning, and always called upon to act on his
knowledge suddenly. A Lord Mayor may sit at the Mansionhouse, I
think, without knowing much of the law. He may do so without
discovery of his ignorance. But the master of hounds who does not
know his business is seen through at once. To say what that
business is would take a paper longer than this, and the precept
writer by no means considers himself equal to such a task. But it
is multifarious, and demands a special intellect for itself.
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