True Sport

I shot a bird upon a tree

E’en while it sweetly sang to me,

And climbing high with hinter’s zest,

I took the young ones, and the nest.

Then on the placid river’s brink

I shot a peaceful deer at drink

And ducks, while basking in the sun,

Fell victims to deadly gun.

Homeward my ardent pace I set,

And in my bosom no regret.

I blest the glad, victorious day,

Also my trusty camera.

Sept. 11, ‘08

This is, but for the word ‘deadly’ rather than ‘ready’, the same lyric as ‘Sporting’, which was posted (guessing) as July 8, 1900. Given that this was handwritten, that date was probably incorrect (it was typed and undated).