The Compleat ^Angler 



r tli mud your worm provokes a snig, 



Which being fast, if it prove big 



The Gotham folly will be found 



Discreet, ere taen she must be drown! d. 



1"he tench (physician of the brook) 



In yon dead hole expects your hook, 



Which having first your pastime been, 



Serves then for meat or medicine. 



Ambush' d behind that root doth stay 



A pike, to catch and be a prey. 



1"he treacherous quill in this slow stream 



Betrays the hunger of a bream. 



And at that nimbler ford (no doubt) 



Your false fly cheats a speckled trout. 



When you these creatures wisely chuse 



2"0 practise on, which to your use 



Owe their creation, and when 



Fish from your arts do rescue men ; 



To plot, delude, and circumvent, 



Ensnare and spoil, is innocent. 



Here by these crystal streams you may 



Preserve a conscience clear as they ; 



And when by sullen thoughts you find 



Tour harassed, not busied, mind 



In sable melancholy clad, 



Distemper d, serious, turning sad; 



Hence fetch your cure, cast in your bait, 



All anxious thoughts and cares shall straight 



Fly with such speed they'll seem to be 



Possest with the hydrophobie. 



<The water s calmness in your breast. 



And smoothness on your brow shall rest. 



Away with sports of charge and noise, 

 And give me cheap and silent joys ; 

 Such as Action's game pursue 



