The advice below seems to clinch the matter, One assumes that rider leapt
from his saddle and swam after the fox.
Two other hunting questions related to the Jorrocks novels:
1. Were Binjamin and Artaxerxes hounds ?
2, In which book does Jorrocks advise that
"of all daft devis under the
sun
A grey 'ound's the daftest"
Grateful once more for advice.
Good wishes to all, John R
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, October 04, 2010 1:29 PM
Subject: Re: A definition
Selle: means saddle or seat - a place for sitting like a
chair - it was first used in the 15th century.
Perhaps to get down from his saddle?
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Radcliffe" <[log in to unmask]>
To:
[log in to unmask]
Sent:
Monday, October 4, 2010 8:09:31 AM
Subject: A definition
We are currently annotating "An Almanac of Twelve Sports", verses by
Kipling, illustrations by Nicholson.
The first two lines of "Hunting" are:
Certes it is a noble sport
And men have quitted
selle and swum for't.
Can anyone suggest a meaning for 'quitted selle'.
All suggestions will be gratefully received.
Good wishes to all, John R