214 IZAAK WALTON AND HIS FRIENDS 



Whilst all the ills are so improved, 

 Of this dead quarter of the year, 



That even you, so much beloved, 



We would not now wish with us here : 



In this estate, I say, it is 



Some comfort to us to suppose, 



That, in a better Clime than this, 



You, our dear friend, have more repose 



And some delight to me the while, 

 Though nature now does weep in rain, 



To think that I have seen her smile, 

 And haply may I do again. 



If the all-ruling Power please 

 We live to see another May, 



We'll recompense an Age of these 

 Foul days in one fine fishing day : 



We then shall have a day or two, 

 Perhaps a week, wherein to try 



What the best Master's hand can do 

 With the most deadly killing Fly : 



A day with not too bright a beam, 

 A warm, but not a scorching sun, 



A southern gale to curl the stream, 

 And (Master) half our work is done. 



