chap, i.] THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 4f, 



The meadows fair where Flora's gifts among 



Are intermix d, with verdant grass between ; 

 The silver-scaled fish that softly swim 

 Within the sweet brook's chrystal watery stream. 



All these, and many more of His creation 



That made the heavens, the Angler oft doth see ; 



Taking therein no little delectation, 



To think how strange, hoiv wonderful, they be ! 



Framing thereof an inward contemplation, 

 To set his heart from other fancies free ; 



And whilst he looks on these with joyful eye, 



His mind is rapt above the starry sky. 



Sir, I am glad my memory has not lost these last 

 verses, because they are somewhat more pleasant 

 and more suitable to May-day, than my harsh dis- 

 course : and I am glad your patience hath held out so 

 long as to hear them and me, for both together 

 have brought us within the sight of the Thatched- 

 house : and I must be your debtor, if you think it 

 worth your attention, for the rest of my promised 

 discourse, till some other opportunity, and a like 

 time of leisure. 



Ven. Sir, you have Angled me on with much 

 pleasure to the Thatched-house : and I now find your 

 words true, " That good company makes the way 

 " seem short; " for trust me, Sir, I thought we had 

 wanted three miles of this house till you shewed it to 

 me : but now we are at it, we'll turn into it, and re- 

 fresh ourselves with a cup of drink and a little rest. 



