34 



That daily pay a tribute to the Sea, 

 Are Theams too high, and so unknown to me. 

 But there kind Fortune once to me was kind, 

 That, for one year, I nothing had to mind, 



But pleasure by that River side, 

 Where still, with all my Heart, I willingly could 



abide : 



Such store it \ields as I before ne'er knew, 

 And daily did my Lov'd delights renew. 

 For Angling from a Child I still do prise, 

 The best of pleasures, for the grave and wise. 

 Oh! Who can tell the store of Pikes are there? 

 Twelve, Sixteen Pound of Fish, repays the 



Anglers care, 

 If but one hour or two he well can spare ; 



And all the bait he needeth for't, 

 Is but a Gudgeon, of the largest sort, 

 Or else a Roach, fixt to the Trouling Line, 

 With observation of his feeding time. 

 I have admir'd to see, tho hooks were double, 

 The Trouler please himself with needless Trouble, 

 A mighty Pole, Line like a Cable Rope 



For strength, yet loose his prize and hope ; 

 They were no Artists, little skill they had, 

 Saving to Curse and Swear, like Bedlams, mad 

 When astout Pike from their rude hands made way, 

 And joyful glides along the stream to play; 



The 



