77/6 Secrets of Angling. 53 



For nature that hath made no emptie thing, 

 But all her workes doth well and wisely frame, 

 Hath fild each Brooke, each Riuer, Lake and Spring 

 With creatures, apt to Hue amidst the same ; 

 Kuen as the earth, the ayre, and seas doe bring 

 Forth Beasts, and Birds of sundry sort and name, 



And giuen them shape, ability, and sencc, 



To Hue and dwell therein without offence. 



The second gift and (jualitie is Hope, 



The anchor-holde of euery hard desire : 



That hauing at the day so large a scope, 



He shall in time to wished hap aspire, 



And ere the Sunne hath left the heau'nly cope, 



Obtaine the sport and game he doth desire, 



And that the Fish though sometime slow to bite, 

 Will recompence delay with more delight. 



The third is Lone, and liking to the game, 

 And to his friend and neighbour dwelling by; 

 For greedy pleasure not to spoile the same, 

 Nor of his Fish some portion to deny 

 To any that are sicklie, weake, or lame, 

 But rather with his Line and Angle try 



In Pond or Brooke, to doe what in him lyes, 

 To take such store for them as may suffice. 



Then followeth Patience, that the furious (lame 

 Of Choller cooles, and Passion puts to flight, 

 As doth a skilfull rider breake and tame, 

 The Courser wilde, and teach him tread aright : 

 So patience doth the minde dispose and frame, 

 To take mishaps in worth, and count them light, 



As losse of Fish, Line, Hooke, or Lead, or all. 



Or other chance that often may befall. 



