DAYS IN DOVE DALE 93 



clergy and laity, field naturalists and butterfly- 

 catchers, tutors and students. 



This is the very place for honeymoonists : 

 four sets of them have been here during our 

 short stay, and how they did moon about and 

 enjoy themselves ! How they would pretend 

 to fish, and catch nothing but sly kisses 

 behind the bushes ! Happy young people ! 

 It does one good to see you so bright, and so 

 unconscious of the troubles to come. 



" In the blythe days of honeymoon, 

 With Kate's allurements smitten, 

 I loved her late, I loved her soon, 

 And called her dearest kitten." * 



Whilst I am thus engaged in trying to bring 

 " The Izaak Walton " home to you, my brother 

 angler, piscator major, is bidding a last and 

 lingering farewell to the trout and grayling of 

 " The Dove." 



I must now add, as my final record, that 



1 I give the second verse as a footnote ; its sudden 

 sequence to the first would be too cruel ! 



"But now my kitten's grown a cat, 



And cross like other wives, 

 Alas ! alas ! my honest Mat, 

 I fear she has nine lives." 



