3o8 AN ANGLER'S RAMBLES 



IV. 



Beware, beware the water-weed, 

 And the birch that weeps behind, 



And gently let the true line speed 

 Before thee on the wind. 



v. 



Oh ! gently let the good line flow, 

 And gently wile it home : 



There 's many a gallant fin I trow 

 Under the ribbed foam. 



VI. 



A merry fish on a stallion-hair, 

 'Tis a pleasant thing to lead 



On May-days, when the cowslip fair 

 Is yellowing on the mead. 



VII. 



When the breeze starts up, and the sun peeps out, 



And grey flies two or three 

 Hold merry frolic round about, 



Under the green-wood tree. 



VIII. 



Oh ! then the heart bounds pleasantly, 

 And its thoughts are pleasant things, 



Gushing in joyous purity, 

 Like mirthful water-springs. 



