BIBLIOGRAPHY OF AAGLING'r 261 



In the early part of the next century (the i8th) lived 

 two remarkable men. One of them we know was an 

 enthusiastic angler as well as a fine poet, for Thomson 

 in his Seasons proved both propositions at once. In 

 " Spring " he says : — 



Now, when the first foul torrent of the brooks, 

 Swelled with the vernal rains, is ebbed away ; 

 And, whitening, down their mossy-tinctured stream 

 Descends the billowy foam : now is the time, 

 While yet the dark-brown water aids the guile, 

 To tempt the trout. The well-dissembled fly. 

 The rod fine-tapering with elastic spring, 

 Snatch'd from the hoary steed the floating hne, 

 And all thy slender watery stores prepare. 

 But let not on thy hook the tortured worm. 

 Convulsive, twist in agonising folds ; 

 Which, by rapacious hunger swallowed deep. 

 Gives, as you tear it from the bleeding breast 

 Of the weak, helpless, uncomplaining wretch. 

 Harsh pain and horror to the tender hand. 



* -.1; * * * * * 



Just in the dubious point, where with the pool 

 Is mix'd the trembling stream, or where it boils 

 Around the stone, or from the hoUow'd bank 

 Reverted plays in undulating flow. 

 There throw, nice-judging, the delusive fly ; 

 And, as you lead it round in artful curve. 

 With eye attentive mark the springing game. 

 Straight as above the surface of the flood 

 They wanton rise, or urged by hunger leap, 

 Then fix, with gentle twitch, the barbed hook i 

 Some lightly tossing to the grassy bank. 

 And to the shelving shore, slow-dragging some-, 

 With various hand proportioned to their force. 



The poet Gay, who makes up this brace of distinguished 

 men who were poets and loved fishing, also gives proof 



