CHARLES COTTON, ESQ. xvii 



" Methinks I see Charles Cotton and his friend, 

 The modest Walton from Augusta's town. 

 Enter the Fishing-house an hour to spend, 

 And at the marhle table sit them down." 



Now, gentle reader, for gentle you are if you be an angler, 

 " I will wait on you more miles on your way that I have tempted 

 you out of it ; and heartily wish you a good journey." 



CONTENTATION, 



DIRECTED TO MY DEAR FATHER AND MOST WORTHY FRIEND, 



MR. ISAAC WALTON. 



Heav'n, what an age is this ! what race 

 Of giants is sprung up that dare 



Thus fly in the Almighty's face. 

 And with his providence make war ! 



II. 

 I can go nowhere but I meet 



With malecontents and mutineers ; 

 As if in life was nothing sweet, 



And we must blessings reap in tears. 



III. 



O senseless man ! that murmurs still 

 For happiness, and does not know. 



Even though he might enjoy his will, 

 JVhat he would have to make him so. 



IV. 



Is it true happiness to be 



By undisctrning fortune placed 



In the most eminent degree. 



Where few arrive, and none stand fast 7 



