LECKFORD FISHING CLUB. 153 



Who hails, perchance, across Atlantic seas, 



Hails, as of old, the warm south-western breeze, 



And almost jealous of each senseless puff 



That breathes destruction on his rippled ruff, 



In waking dreams, begs ' just to take a look,' 



Before he starts, at ev'ry body's book ! 



Yes ! with the glass for him that sparkles clear, 



Chase (for 'twill rise) the sad foreboding tear, 



And drink, ' that time in summers yet to come 



' To Leckford's sedgy banks may bring poor Tom ! '* 



On the occasion referred to, Mr. Richard Brins- 

 ley Sheridan, drew up certain rules and regulations 

 for the guidance of the piscatory party. These 

 rules, in the hand-writing of Mr. Sheridan, are now 

 before me, by permission of the Walton and Cot- 

 ton Fishing Club, having been presented to it by 

 W. Dunn, Esq. the Treasurer of Drury Lane 

 Theatre, one of the worthy members of the club. 

 Some of these rules have no interest at present, as 

 they applied to the peculiarities of persons, many 

 of them long since dead. Others which partake of 

 that wit and humour which has, and which will 

 continue to delight the world, are now given. They 

 will be read with interest by many persons as cha- 

 racteristic of Mr. Sheridan in his joyous moments, 

 when his wit, his good-humour, and the kindness 

 of his heart, always left a strong feeling of love 

 and affection in the minds of his friends. 



* The late Thomas Sheridan, Esq., at that time at the Cape of 

 Good Hope, where he died. 



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