THE FINAL ”COURSE.”

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume X, Issue 1048, 14 March 1882, Page 4

THE FINAL ”COURSE.”

Years ago, at a race at Ascot, the famous horse Tiberius broke his leg by bounding against one of the posts of the barrier just after the start. His owner, Lord Milibank, -lost heavily in bets, besides the value of the horse, the law of the 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 sumptuous dinner, to which the most distinguished of the English peerage had been invited, and at which they were present, The conviviality ran high. Towards the close, and at a late hour, after numerous toasts had been drunk, tlie noble host arose at the head of the table, and proposed that they should drink to the memory of the departed Tiberius. It was clamorously received. The master of the feast remained standing, with a brimming glass iu his hand. “We drink to Tiberius,” he said, " the most beautiful, and most enduring, the most courageous, and the most spirited courser 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 aud gentlemen —to do honor to his mortal remains. I wished that this noble animal should have a burial worthy of his deservings. He has had it. My cook had fitly prepared him, aud 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 have awakened so much enquiry, was Tiberius. My grand courser hath found a fitting sepulture. May your digestion be li£ht !” Fora brief space the enthusiasm of the company received a check ; but 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 entombed Tiberius.