THE FOLLOWING 



GRACEFUL VERSES 



Were written in a copy of the Complete Angler, which belonged to Sir 

 Humphrey Davy, " by a noble lady, long distinguished at court for pre- 

 eminent beauty and grace, and whose mind possesses undying charms," 

 who is supposed to be the present Lady Charlotte Bury, then Lady 

 Charlotte Campbell :— 



Albeit, gentle Angler, I 

 Delight not in thy trade. 

 Yet in thy pages there doth lie 

 So much of quaint simplicity— 



So much of mind 



Of such good kind, 

 That none need be afraid- 

 Caught by thy cunning bait, this book — 

 To be ensnared on thy hook. 



Gladly from thee, I'm lured to bear 

 With things that seem'd most vile before ; 

 For thou didst on poor subjects rear 

 Matter the wisest sage might hear ; 



And, with a grace, 



That doth efface 

 More labor'd works, thy simple lore 

 Can teach us that thy skilful lines 

 More than the scaly brood confines. 



Our hearts and senses, too, we see 

 Rise quickly at thy master hand. 

 And ready to be caught by thee, 

 Are lured to virtue willingly ; 



Content and peace. 



With health and ease, 

 Walk by thy side ; at thy command 

 We bid adieu to worldly care. 

 And joy in gifts th;it ;ill may share. 



