PART II.

_March 5th, 1811._

Next day to the Thatchmeadows, I (The forest skirts to scour) Coldrife, and Quarryhouse pass’d by, To Newbiggin’s bleak moor: Bullbush, Blueburn, and Blagdon Brakes, I carefully did scan; But none on these extensive tracts, Were seen by any man.

Ward’s Intake, Hut, and Shepherd’s Shield, Coldside, and Moralhurst; By Forestburn, and Meadowfield, To Holyhill I cours’d: Hence Lordenshaws, and Garlyside, Crook, Loaning, Stewardshill; But disappointments did preside, O’er expectations still.

By the Sheephurst, to Brockleyhall, And Turnbull’s steed I steer’d; And at each peasant’s cot did call, That in my path appear’d: To the Two Raws, and Butterknows, I posted on with speed, Where I was told some of my ewes Cross’d Coquet at Craghead.

Resolv’d the south side first to seek, I rang’d that rocky hill, ’Till I explor’d the ’Squires Peak; Herd’s House, and Little Mill, By Wagtailhall, and Sandyheughs, To Rothbury then did ride; To feed, refresh, and hear what news; Then search the other side.

Hence by Knocklaw, and Tumbleton, And ev’ry scatter’d cot, Through Debdon Dale--and I anon By Wintercove did trot, To Rimside Inn, to bait and bouse;-- From Framlington, Blacksow, To Flambrohead, and Wholluphouse, But could not find a ewe.

From Frostyfolds, to Whitefield House, Chilhope, and Cragend Scars, Where they and lambs might lurk recluse, Unless rous’d unawares;-- By Healy, Hope, Lynn, and Woodhead, To Healycoat I trudg’d, To Cockshot, Brinkburn, and Todstead, Where for that night I lodg’d.