36 The Secrets of Angling. 



Thus was the earth replenished a new 



With people strange, sprung vp with little paine, 



Of whose increase the progenie that grew, 



Did soone supply the empty world againe ; 



But now a greater care there did insue, 



How such a mightie number to maintaine, 



Since foode there was not any to be found, 



For that great flood had all destroyd and drownd. 



Then did Deucalion first the Art inuent 

 Of Angling, and his people taught the same ; 

 And to the Woods and groues with them hee went 

 Fit tooles to finde for this most needfull game ; 

 There from the trees the longest ryndes they rent, 

 Wherewith strong Lines they roughly twist and frame, 

 And of each crooke of hardest Bush and Brake, 

 They made them Hookes the hungry Fish to take. 



And to intice them to the eager bit, 



Dead frogs and flies of sundry sorts he tooke ; 



And snayles and wormes such as he found most fit, 



Wherein to hide the close and deadly hooke : 



And thus with practise and inuentiue wit, 



He found the meanes in euery lake and brooke 



Such store of Fish to take with little paine. 



As did long time this people new sustaine. 



In this rude sorte began this simple Art, 

 And so remain'd in that first age of old, 

 When Saturne did Amaltheas iiorne impart 

 Vnto the world, that then was all of Gold ; 

 The Fish as yet had felt but little smart, 

 And were to bite more eager, apt, and bold : 



And plentie still supplide the place againe 

 Of woefull want, whereof we now complaine. 



