320 FISHING GOSSIP. 



passed away, and the jack would not have it a second 

 time. 



" It's near dinner time," said the poet, " and we 

 must be off ; but we must have one cast in Weybridge 

 Weir. Can't you give us one more bit out of that 

 wretched old angling book you are so fond of?" 

 " Yes, friend poet ; here's to our next merry fishing 

 trip, and better sport, though I can't say more agree- 

 able company. Harris, just take that last cool 

 bottle out of the live-bait well, if the fish have not 

 been at it, will you ? We will drink to the truth of 

 this 



" ' Happy the fisher's life and humble state ; 



Calm are his hours, and free from rude debate ; 

 No restless cares he knows of sordid gain, 



Nor schemes that rack the toiling statesman's brain ; 

 Fearless in shades he takes his healthy dreams, 



And labours mild amid refreshing streams.' " 



F. B. 



