xxvi THE LIFE AND WRITINGS OF 



TVe then shali have a day or two. 

 Perhaps a week, wherein to try 



What the best master's hand can do 

 With the most deadly-hilling Jlie : 



A day, tmth not too bright a beam, 

 A warm, but not a scorching sun, 



A southern gale to curl the stream. 

 And, master, half our work is done. 



There whilst behind some bush we wait. 



The scaly people to betray, 

 We'll prove it just, with treacherous bait. 



To make the preying Trout our prey. 



And think ourselves, in such an hour. 

 Happier than those, though not so high, 



Who, like Leviathans devour. 

 Of meaner men the smaller fry. 



This, my best friend, at my poor home 

 Shall be our pastime and our theme ; 



But then should you not deign to come. 

 You make all this aflatfring dream. 



