IZAAK WALTON AND HIS FRIENDS 219 



The Angler's Ballad 



A WAY to the Brook, 



All your Tackle out look, 



Here's a day that is worth a year's wishing ; 



See that all things be right, 



For 'tis a very spight 



To want tools when a man goes fishing. 



Your Rod with tops two, 



For the same will not doe 



If your manner of angling you vary ; 



And full well you may think, 



If you troll with a Pink, 



One too weak will be apt to miscarry. 



Then Basket, neat made 



By a Master in's trade, 



In a belt at your shoulders must dangle ; 



For none e'er was so vain 



To wear this to disdain, 



Who a true Brother was of the Angle. 



Next, Pouch must not fail, 



Stufifd as full as a Mail, 



With Wax, Crewels, Silks, Hair, Furs and Feathers, 



To make several Flies 



For the several Skies, 



That shall kill in despight of all weathers. 



