24 THE ANGLER AND HUNTSMAN 



harmless lambs; some leaping securely in the cool shade, 

 whilst others sported themselves in the cheerful sun; and 

 saw others craving comfort from the swollen udders of 

 their bleating dams. As I thus sat, these and other sights 

 had so fully possessed my soul with content, that I thought 

 as the poet hath happily expressed it, 



"I was for that time lifted above earth, 



And possessed joys not promised in my birth." 



As I left this place and entered into the next field, a 

 second pleasure entertained me: 'twas a handsome milk- 

 maid, that had not yet attained so much age and wisdom as 

 to load her mind with any fears of many things that will 

 never be, as too many men too often do ; but she cast away 

 all care, and sang like a nightingale; her voice was good, 

 and the ditty fitted for it; it was that smooth song which 

 was made by Kit Marlowe, now at least fifty years ago, and 

 the milkmaid's mother sang an answer to it, which was 

 made by Sir Walter Raleigh in his younger days. 



They were old-fashioned poetry, but choicely good; I 

 think much better than the strong lines that are now in 

 fashion in this critical age. Look yonder! on my word, 

 yonder they both be a-milking again. I will give her the 

 chub, and persuade them to sing those two songs to us. 



God speed you, good woman! I have been a-fishing, 

 and am going to Bleak Hall to my bed; and having caught 

 more fish than will sup myself and friend, I will bestow 

 this upon you and your daughter, for I use to sell none. 



Milk Woman Marry, God requite you sir, and we'll 

 eat it cheerfully; and if you come, this way a-fishing two 

 months hence, a grace of God, I'll give you a syllabub of 

 new verjuice in a new-made haycock for it, and my Maud- 

 lin shall sing you one of her best ballads; for she and I both 

 love all anglers, they be such honest, civil, quiet men; in 

 the mean time will you drink a draught of red cow's milk? 

 You shall have it freelv. 



