The Compleat <Angler 



cannot well bear it) to repent the money they spent when they be 

 warmed with drink : and take this for a rule, you may pick out such 

 times, and such companions, that you may make yourselves merrier 

 for a little than a great deal of money ; for, " 'Tis the company and 

 not the charge that makes the feast ; " and such a companion you 

 prove, I thank you for it. 



But I will not compliment you out of the debt that I owe you ; 

 and therefore I will begin my song, and wish it may be so well 

 liked. 



THE ANGLER'S SONG 



As inward love breeds outward talk, 

 The hound some praise, and some the hawk ; 

 Some, better pleased with private sport, 

 Use tennis ; some a mistress court ; 



But these delights I neither wish 



Nor envy, while I freely fish. 



Who hunts, doth oft in danger ride; 

 Who hawks, lures oft both far and wide ; 

 Who uses games, shall often prove 

 A loser ; but who falls in love 



Is fetter 1 d in fond Cupid's snare ; 



My angle breeds me no such care. 



Of recreation there is none 

 So free as fishing is alone ; 

 All other pastimes do no less 

 Than mind and hody both possess ; 



My hand alone my work can do, 



So I can fish and study too. 



I care not, 1, to fish in seas 

 Fresh rivers best my mind do please, 

 Whose sweet calm course I contemplate, 

 And seek in life to imitate : 



In civil bounds I fain would keep, 



And for my past offences weep. 



99 



