Belle Meade Toast

               It's the grandest sport and the greatest thrill,

To chase the fox from hill to hill.

Through countryside rolling o'er fields and streams,

It's the kind of a course that fulfills sportsmen's dreams.

The hunters impatiently ride to and fro

But dash like the wind at the cry "Tally Ho!"

The horses are lathered. They too seem to sense

The joy and excitement of clearing a fence.

So here at the close of a wonderful day

Of foxhunting and fellowship, may I tribute pay

To the Masters and staff and the keeper of hounds

Our toasts and our praises to all know no bounds.

Tonight with the stirrup cup full and o'erflowing

We toast one and all who keep foxhunting going.

Who join in the chase, though they may take a spill

And who keep coming back be it sunny or chill.

May the joy that results from this sporting event

Make us healthy and happy and always content.

Written by Mrs. W. L. M. "Pinkie" Knox, Poet Laureate of Belle Meade Hunt.

Written in February 1967 for her brother-in-law, Mr. Peter S. Knox, Jr. MFH, for him to recite at Belle Meade's first Hunt Ball.