“The Hare of Kilgrain”

Description

The hunter goes out in pursuit of sport. The hare tells its story of how the dogs pursued it. It leads them on a long chase, and proclaims that it did humans no harm, but at last the hounds catch and kill their innocent prey

Notes

The Henry text appears to be composite; the first two verses are in praise of the hunt and Richard Hunter at its head. The perspective then shifts to the hare, forced to flee and run and at last die.

Nimrod was "a mighty hunter before the Lord" (Genesis 10:8-10). - RBW

Cross references

References

  1. SHenry H12, p. 31, "The Hare of Kilgrain" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. Roud #2883
  3. BI, HHH012

About

Author: James Sloan ?
Earliest date: 1924 (Sam Henry collection; reportedly written c. 1770)
Keywords: animal death hunting
Found in: Ireland