The Final Course.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 23 January 1892, Page 2

The Final Course.

♦ ; ■ Years ago, at a race at Ascot, the famous horse Tiberius brol<e his leg by bounding against one of the posts of the barrier just before the start. Hi 3 owner, Lord Millbank, lost heavily in bets, besides the value of the horse ; the law, of course, being that accidents should not be taken into account as relieving a horse in case of defeat. Three days afterwards Lord Millbank gave a sumptous dinner, to which the most distinguished of the English peerage had been invited, and at wh eh they were present, lhe conviviality ran high. Towards the close, and at a late hour, after numerous toasts had been drunk, the noble host arose at the head of the table and proposed that they shouM drink to the memory of the departed Tiberius.' It was clamorously received The master of the feast remained standing, with a brimming glass in his hand. " We drink to Tiberius," he said, " the mQst beautiful, the most enduring, the most courageous, and the most spirited coursgr that ever trod the British turf." Shouts of applause shook the walls. ' "You know, continued his lordship, '• the achievements of this horse*. His deeds belong to history. Fame has taken charge of his glory. But it remained for me — for you my lords and gentlemen— to do honour to his mortal remains. I wished that this noble courier should have a burial worthy oi his deservings. He has had it My cook had fitly prepared him. and you have feasted upon him to-day. Ay, my lords and gentlemen, the meat which you have relished so keenly, and the rich flavour and delicacy of which ba\e awakened so much inquiry, was Tiberius. My grand courser has found a fitting sepulture. May your digestion be light I" For a brief space the enthusiasm of the party received a check; but I the meat had been good, nevertheless and with another burst of applause, the idea took the turn of a sublimity! and more bumpers were drunk to the memory of the strangely entombea Tiberius.