42 The Secrets of Angling. 



FOR THE ROCHE 



Then see on yonder side, where one doth sit 



With Line well twisted, and his Hooke but small ; 



His Corke not big, his Plummets round and fit, 



His bayt of finest paste, a little ball 



Wherewith he doth intice vnto the bit, 



The careless Roche, that soone is caught withall : 



Within a foote the same doth reach the ground. 



And with least touch the float straight sinketh downe. 



And as a skilfull Fowler that doth vse 

 The flying Birds of any kinde to take, 

 The fittest and the best doth alwayes chuse, 

 Of many sorts a pleasing stale to make, 

 Which if he doth perceiue they doe refuse, 

 And of mislike abandon and forsake, 



To win their loue againe, and get their grace 

 Forthwith doth put another in the place. 



So for the Roach more baites he hath beside, 

 As of a sheepe the thicke congealed blood, 

 Which on a board he vseth to deuide 

 In portions small, to make them fit and good, 

 That better on his hooke they may abide : 

 And of the waspe the white and tender brood, 



And wormes that breed on euery hearbe and tree, 

 And sundry flies that quicke and liuely be. 



FOR THE DACE. 



Then looke where as that Poplar gray doth grow, 

 Hard by the same where one doth closely stand, 

 And with the winde his Hooi:e and bayt doth throw 

 Amid the streame with slender hazell wand, 

 Where as he sees the Dace themselues doe show, 

 His eye is quicke, and ready is his hand, 



And when the Fish cloth rise to catch the bayt, 

 He presently doth strike, and takes her strayt. 



