196 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



With our knacks 

 At oitr backs, 

 To such streams 

 As the Thames, 

 If we have the leisure. 



When we please to walk abroad 

 For our recreation, 

 In the fields is our abode. 

 Full of delectation : 



Where in a brook 



With a hook. 



Or a lake. 



Fish we take. 



Then we sit. 



For a bit, 

 Till we fish entangle. 



We have gentles in a horn. 

 We have paste and worms too ; 

 We can watch both night and morn^ 

 Suffer rain and storms too : 



JSTone do here 



Use to swear ; 



Oaths do fray 



Fish away: 



We sit still 



And watch our quill , 

 Fishers must not wrangle. 



If the sun's excessive heat 

 Make our bodies swelter. 

 To an osier hedge we get 

 For a friendly shelter ; 



Where in a dike 



Pearch or pike 



Roach or dace. 



We do chase. 



Bleak or gudgeon 



Without grudging ; 

 We are still contented. 



Or we sometimes pass an hour 

 Under a green willow. 

 That defends xis from a shower t 

 Making earth our pillow ; 



