THE FINAL "COURSE."

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6003, 12 February 1881, Page 7

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 Millbank, lost heavily in bets, besides the value of the horse, the law of the course being that acci dents should not be taken into account a; relieving a horse in case of defeat. Threi days afterwards Lord Millbank gave a sump tuous dinner, to which the most distinguishec of the English peerage had been invited, am at which they were present. The conviviality ran high. Towards the close, and at a lati hour, after numerous toasts had been drunk the noble host arose at the head of the table and proposed that they should drink to thi memory of the departed Tiberius. It wa: clamorously received. The master of th< feast remained standing, with a brimminf glass in his hand. '' We drink to Tiberius, lie said, "the most beautiful, and mos enduring, the most courageous, and th< most spirited courser that ever trod thi British turf." bhouts of applause shook th< walls. "You know," continued his lordship "the achievements of this horse. His deed; belong to history. Fame has taken charge 0 his glory. But it remained for me —for you my lords and gentlemen—to do honour t< his mortal remains. I wished that this noble courser should have a burial worthy ol his deservings. He lias had it. My cool had fitly prepared him, and you have feastec upon him to-day. Ay, my lords and gentle men, the meat which you have relished sc keenly and the rich flavour and delicacy ol which have awakened so much enquiry, was Tiberius, ily gland courser hath found a fitting sepulture. 3lay your digestion be light!" For a brief space the enthusiasm ol 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.