56 



Of Lifes uncertain stay. 

 Angler, bestow some pains, direct my Pen 

 How to avoid these Plagues which then 

 Requires our cheifest skill and all our care, 

 To make our Recreation supream fair. 

 I'm at a loss, 

 And do profess, 



The more I think, the further off am I, 

 How to avoid the inconvenience of these fry ; 

 Unless I should confine my self to holes are deep, 

 Or where the hoist'rous stream doth sweep 

 The ground with raging force, for there 

 They seldom be, and leave our Angling fair; 

 But 1 to no such task can be confin'd 

 While always plodding by the stream, I mind 

 Their several Meanders, and the ways 

 To use my various baits, in various Plays. 

 Sometimes I'm tir'd, and leave my Angle for my 



Troul, 



With that I strive some other Fishes to Cajole 

 Or make my Enemy to serve my turn, 

 When at a turning stream the Perches come, 

 And there Insulting lye for Menow or else Worm ; 

 Either will serve if you observe the Rules, 

 No edged Weapons Jits the hand of Fools, 

 But silent wait, and with expecting care, 

 A Menow soon decoys the best are there, 



Himself 



