200 THE COMPLETE ANGLER 



"When we plaase to walk abroad 



For our recreation, 

 In the fields is our abode, 

 Full of delectation : 



Where in a brook, 



With a hook, 



Or a lake, 



Fish we take ; 



There we sit 



For a bit, 

 Till we fish entangle. 



We have gentles in a horn, 



We have paste and worms too ; 

 We can watch both night and morn, 

 Suffer rain and storms too. 



None do here 



Use to swear ; 



Oaths do fray 



Fish away : 



We sit still 



And watch our quill ; 

 Fishers must not wrangle. 



If the sun's excessive heat 

 Make our bodies swelter, 

 To an osier-hedge we get 

 For a friendly shelter ; 

 Where in a dike, 

 Perch or pike, 

 Roach or dace, 

 We do chase ; 

 Bleak or gudgeon, 

 Without grudging ; 

 We are still contented. 



Or we sometimes pass an hour 



Under a green willow, 

 That defends us from a shower 

 Making earth our pillow : 

 Where we may 

 Think and pray, 



