NORTHERN MEMOIRS. 115 



as I hope we may. Aquilla, farewel, and fare- 

 wel, Theophilus ; to whom I contribute my 

 wishes for thy fortunate success, to gain the 

 laureat froni the best of anglers that pursue the 

 art. 



Theoph. What, do you question it, that know 

 so well my abilities ? Here I'le stand to my 

 arms ; and in this solitary place, I'le hazard my 

 rod and line with my reputation and fortune. 



Aquil. Resolv'd like a vertuoso of the rod and 

 line ; there you may mingle meditations with 

 your recreations, whilst you consult those purl- 

 ing murmuring streams that rally from the top 

 of those craggy mountains : see how they trick- 

 ling tumble down those solitary rocks, whose 

 descents, like diapasons, shap'd into musical 

 sounds, must of necessity invite the fish to dance ; 

 so that sometimes they elevate themselves so 

 high, that I have seen them throw themselves a 

 foot above water. This we call the Contemplative 

 Angler's Harmony ; and it proves his harvest too, 

 when they freely bite. So, farewel, Theophilus ; 

 but remember the rendezvouz at the previous 

 descent of that spacious rock, beautified with 

 firs ; not far from thence stands a pleasant grove, 

 through which there glides a glittering rivulet, 

 begirt round about with admirable rocks ; search 

 well those meanders, and you'l find me fishing. 



Theoph. It's very like I may, and what then ? 



