Here is another version of a Bold Reynolds song, written by Dave Toye, which I have on a Martyn Wyndham-Read CD Called Mussels on a Tree.

BOLD REYNOLDS

My name it is Bold Reynolds. I was born near Bonfire Hill.
That was many years ago, but I remember still
My brothers and my sisters as we played near the den,
With ne'er a care all in the world, my life was easy then.

When I was scarcely nine months old, I first met with the hounds.
I heard their voices through the woods as I came above ground.
I found it very easy to leave them in my wake.
I wandered many miles that day. It was to prove my fate.

While I was on that journey, I met her in a copse.
She had a handsome thick red coat. Straightway my heart was lost.
We spent that year together, had seven cubs all told.
I thank the hounds for sending me along that distant road.

Many times while I was stalking rabbits on my own,
I heard the distant hunting horn that called the stragglers home.
At times the hounds would follow me, but I would have my fun.
Across the fields and meadows I'd give them a good run.

My mate and I, we stayed together, many seasons more.
Pheasants in the wintertime we always had in store.
In the springtime, I worked hard to feed the new born young,
Hunting through the short chill night, until the rising sun.

Years have passed. My vixen died. Now I am on my own.
My legs are tired. My coat is rough. All my seed is sown.
I do not wish a lingering death. I'll meet the hunt again.
And lead them on a final chase. Once more they'll serve my end.

My name it is Bold Reynolds. I was born near Bonfire Hill.
That was many years ago, but I remember still
My vixen and my young cubs as we lay by the den,
But now I bid you all farewell. My life is at an end.

Regards
Grubby

HTML line breaks added. --JoeClone, 28-May-02.