INTRODUCTION. 29 



relentless persecution, they might forget the surrounding 

 world of temptation and hostility, and hold deep com- 

 munion with their God. 



The angler, although not actuated by such high motives, 

 still perceives and acknowledges the influence of such 

 scenes, and often we confidently appeal to our brethren 

 of the craft often, as his eye roams over the sweet 

 scenery which surrounds him, the tear holy type of 

 penitence rises almost spontaneously, the indescribable 

 thought kindles in his heart, and the warm prayer 

 gushes unpremeditated from his soul, sincere, heartfelt, 

 true because offered when none can hear, and none 

 behold, but He who neither slumbers nor sleeps. 



THE INVITATION. 



The early sun is rising fair and bright ; 



And dancing lightly on each spangled spray, 

 The pearl-drops glisten in the dewy light, 



That bathes in fragant balm the morn of May. 



The thick white mists are springing far and fkst, 

 Beneath the glowing orb's absorbing beam, 



To swell with showers the light clouds floating past, 

 Predicting glorious sport in pool and stream. 



Oh ! what a gush of joy o'erwhelms the soul, 

 When Nature pours her matin song of praise! 



What waves of sweet, sad visions round us roll ! 

 What deep and thrilling dreams the mind amaze! 



The gladsome heart bounds joyous, warm, and free, 

 And throbs with rapture in the morning breeze, 



Which, fraught with mild and mystic melody, 



Comes fresh and frisking o'er the whispering trees. 



Arise, thou sluggard! Hark! The lark on high, 

 His wild entrancing wood -note bravely rings ; 



He revels joyous in the morning sky, 



And soars away, and still, in soaring, sings. 



