28 The Angler's Secret 



able fisher and hunter than he who wan- 

 tonly kills to brag of his day. 



The angler goes afield for the exhilara- 

 tion there is in every part of the outing; 

 the marketman drags his net, sets his 

 trap, poisons his bait, and sends his 

 hounds for the living there is in the 

 work ; the potster kills because he thinks 

 his reputation as a "sportsman" rests with 

 the number he takes. Quality, chivalry, 

 the admiration of nature, and true sport 

 are never thought of by this unfortunate 

 man. 



No, be not afraid of the initiative step 

 if thou art earnest, and thy very first day 

 along the stream will fill thy heart if not 

 thy creel. 



" The surest way to take the fish, is give her leave 

 to play and yield her line." QUARLES, Shepheard's 

 Eclogues, 1644. 



