76 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. [part I. 



possessed my soul with content, that I thought as 

 the Poet has happily expressed it ; 



/ was for that time lifted above earth ; 

 And possess' d joys not promis'd in my birth. 



As I left this place, and entered into the next field, 

 a second pleasure entertained me ; 'twas a hand- 

 some Milk-maid that had not yet attained so much 

 age and wisdom as to load her mind with any fears 

 of many things that will never be, as too many men 

 too often do ; but she cast away all care, and sung 

 like a nightingale. Her voice was good, and the 

 ditty fitted for it ; 'twas that smooth song, which 

 was made by Kit. Marlow, now at least fifty years 

 ago : and the Milk-maid's Mother sung an answer 

 to it, which was made by Sir Walter Raleigh in his 

 younger days. 



They were old-fashioned poetry, but choicely 

 good, I think much better than the strong lines that 

 are now in fashion in this critical age. Look yon- 

 der ! on my word, yonder they both be a-milking 

 again. I will give her the Chub, and persuade them 

 to sing those two songs to us. 



God speed you, good woman ! I have been a fish- 

 ing, and am going to Bleak-hall to my bed ; and 

 having caught more fish than will sup myself and 

 my friend, I will bestow this upon you and your 

 daughter, for I use to sell none. 



Milk-w. Marry, God requite you ! Sir, and we'll 



