The Compleat ^Angler 



The fields and gardens were beset 

 With tulip, crocus, violet ; 

 And now, though late, the modest rose 

 Did more than half a blush disclose. 



Thus all looks gay and full of cheer, 

 To welcome the new-liveried year* 



These were the thoughts that then possessed the undisturbed mind 

 of Sir Henry Wotton. Will you hear the wish of another angler, 

 and the commendation of his happy life, which he 'also sings in 

 verse ? viz., Jo. Davors, Esq. : 



Let me live harmlessly; and near the brink 

 Of Trent or Avon have a dwelling-place, 



Where I may see my quill or cork down sink 

 With eager bite of perch, or bleak, or dace; 



And on the world and my Creator think : 



Whilst some men strive ill-gotten goods f embrace, 



And others spend their time in base excess 



Of wine, or .worse, in war and wantonness. 



Let them that list, these pastimes still pursue, 

 And on such pleasing fancies feed their fill ; 



So I the fields and meadows green may view, 

 And daily by fresh rivers walk at will, 



Among the daisies and the violets blue, 

 Red hyacinth and yellow daffodil, 



Purple narcissus like the morning rays, 



Pale gander-grass, and azure culver keys. 



I count it higher pleasure to behola 



The stately compass of the lofty sky ; 

 And in the midst thereof (like burning gold] 



The flaming chariot of the world's great eye ; 

 The watery clouds that, in the air up-rolPd, 



With sundry kinds of painted colours fly ; 

 And fair Aurora, lifting up her head, 

 Still blushing, rise from old Tithonus 1 bed. 

 60 



