CHAR xvi. THE FOURTH DAY. 147 



When we please to walk abroad 



For our recreation, 

 In the fields is our abode, 

 Full of delectation : 



Where in a brook, 



With a hook, 



Or a lake, 



Fish we take; 



There we sit 



For a bit, 

 Till we fish entangle. 



We have gentles in.a horn, 



We have paste and worms too; 

 We can watch both night and morn, 

 Suffer rain and storms too. 

 None do here 

 Use to swear ; 

 Oaths do fray 

 Fish away : 

 We sit still 

 And watch our quill ; 

 Fishers must not wrangle. 



If the sun's excessive heat 



Make our bodies swelter, 

 To an osier-hedge we get 

 For a friendly shelter; 

 Where in a dike, 

 Perch or pike, 

 Roach or dace, 

 We do chase ; 

 Bleak or gudgeon, 

 Without grudging : 

 We are still contented. 



Or we sometimes pass an hour . 



Under a green willow, 

 That defends us from a shower 



Making earth our pillow : 



