132 HINTS ON ANGLING. 



subject, and may perchance retain a hold on the memory 

 better than dry rules and prosaic directions. 



The greedy pike lies basking cool, 

 Beneath the shade in yonder pool, 



Alert to seize his food ; 

 By skilful hand is hurled the bait, 

 To lure the tyrant to his fate, 



And drag him from the flood. 



n. 



The shining tempter o'er him flies ; 

 He glares around with hungry eyes, 



And rushes on the prey; 

 Then moves along with lordly pace, 

 To seek some snug and lonely place, 



Where he may dine to day. 



m. 



At last he stops, and sinking deep, 

 Seems for ten minutes fast asleep, 



In sweet indulgence lost. 

 I'll wake him soon as you shall see, 

 And let him know that verily, 



He 's dining to his cost! 



IV. 



The time is up! I turn my reel, 

 And wind my line until I feel 



I've got my distance right ; 

 Then, holding firmly, let him dash, 

 And dive and plunge, and lash and splash, 



And fight his bravest fight. 



v. 



Hurrah, hurrah, he rushes on! 

 Pay out the line, or he'll be gone! 



There check him smartly now! 

 Well done he turns upon his track, 

 And, plunging, dashes madly back 



By Jove, a glorious row! 



