52 The Secrets of Angling. 



So must the Angler be prouided still, 

 Of diuers tooles, and sundry baytes in store ; 

 And all things else pertaining to his skill, 

 Which he shall get and lay vp long before, 

 That when the weather frameth to his will, 

 Hee may be well appointed euermore 



To take fit time when it is offered euer, 

 For time in one estate abideth neuer. 



THE Q UALITIES OF AN ANGLER. 



Bvt ere I further goe, it shall behoue 

 To shew what gifts and qualities of minde 

 Belongs to him that doth this pastime loue; 

 And what the vertues are of euery kinde 

 Without the which it were in vaine to proue, 

 Or to expect the pleasure he should finde, 



No more than he that hauing store of meate 

 Hath lost all lust and appetite to eate. 



For what auails to Brooke or Lake to goe, 



With handsome Rods and Hookes of diuers sort, 



Well twisted Lines, and many trinkets moe, 



To finde the Fish within their watry fort, 



If that the minde be not contented so, 



But wants great gifts that should the rest support. 



And make his pleasure to his thoughts agree, 

 With these therefore he must endued be. 



The first is Faith, not wauering and vnstable, 



But such as had that holy Patriarch old. 



That to the highest was so acceptable 



As his increase and of-spring manifoldc 



Exceeded far the starres innumerable, 



So must he still a firme perswasion holde, 



That where as waters, brookes, and lakes are found. 



There store of Fish without all doubt abound. 



