IZAAK WALTON AND HIS FRIENDS 215 



There, whilst behind some bush we wait 



The Scaly People to betray, 

 We'll prove it just, with treacherous bait 



To make the preying Trout our prey ; 



And think ourselves, in such an hour, 

 Happier than those, though not so high, 



Who, like Leviathans, devour 

 Of meaner men the smaller Fry. 



This (my best Friend) at my poor Home, 

 Shall be our Pastime and our Theme ; 



But then — should you not deign to come, 

 You make all this a flattering Dream.* 



The Retirement 



STANZES IRREGULIEES 



To Mr Isaak Walton. 



Farewell thou busie World, and may 



We never meet again : 

 Here I can eat, and sleep, and pray, 

 And do more good in one short day. 

 Than he who his whole Age out- wears 

 Upon thy most conspicuous Theatres, 

 Where nought but Vice and Vanity do reign. 

 Good God ! how sweet are all things here ! 

 How beautiful the Fields appear ! 



