26 f) <&tntttl i&entatfon* 



Nor water beats he with his tail, 



Till life and strength together fail ; 

 The Tench he only gently sucks the worm, 

 And several ways the floting flote will turn, 

 Until the hook within his Jaws doth lie, 

 Angler forbear, for that once done to th' reeds 



he'll ply, 



Thinking his prey for to secure and speedy dye. 

 One gentle touch he'll beat the water with his tail, 

 Imploring help, no help can then prevail, 



Unless your strand or line give way, 

 And so by eager haste become the Fishes prey. 

 Thus lately by a pleasant Pond* I Angling stood, 



With Carp and Tench indifferently stor'd, 

 My hour was late and little time to stay, 

 Yet took four brace then homeward made my way. 

 Muse now raise thy fancy once again, 

 And sing the Eele and where he doth remain, 

 That yields no pleasure all the Winter long, 

 But keeps in muddy holds most sure and strong, 

 Till Sol's bright rays the waters gently heat, 

 For then he looks abroad and leaves his safe 



retreat. 



Contrary to all Creatures else in stormy weather, 

 He leaves his hold and flys the Lord knows 

 whether ; 



* The Ladv James, at Ightham 



For 



