The Compleat ^Angler 



about me, I did thankfully remember what my Saviour said, that the 

 meek possess the earth ; or rather, they enjoy what the others possess 

 and enjoy not; for anglers and meek quiet-spirited men are free from 

 those high, those restless thoughts which corrode the sweets of life ; 

 and they, and they only, can say, as the poet has happily expressed it : 



Hail blest estate of lowliness ! 



Happy enjoyments of such minds 

 As, rich in self-contentedness, 



Can, like the reeds in roughest winds, 

 By yielding make that blow but small, 

 At which proud oaks and cedars fall. 



There came also into my mind, at that time, certain verses in 

 praise of a mean estate and an humble mind ; they were written by 

 Phineas Fletcher, an excellent divine, and an excellent angler, and 

 the author of excellent piscatory eclogues, in which you shall see the 

 picture of this good man's mind, and I wish mine to be like it. 



No empty hopes, no courtly fears him fright ; 

 No begging wants his middle fortune bite ; 

 But sweet content exiles both misery and spite. 



His certain life, that never can deceive him, 

 Is full of thousand sweets and rich content ; 



The smooth-leaved beeches in the field receive him, 

 With coolest shade, till noontides heat be spent. 



His life is neither tossed in boisterous seas 



Or the vexatious world, or lost in slothful ease ; 

 Pleased and full bless* d he lives, when he his God can please. 



His bed, more safe than soft, yields quiet sleeps, 



While by his side his faithful spouse hath place ; 

 His little son into his bosom creeps, 



The lively picture of his father's face ; 

 His humble house or poor state ne^er torment him 

 Less he could like, if less his God had lent him ; 

 And when he dies, green turfs do for a tomb content him. 



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