THE 



FISHERMAN'S WISH. 



WOULD I might live near Avon's flow'ry brink, 

 And on the world and my Creator think, 

 Whilst others strive, ill gottpn goods t* embrace, 

 Would I near VVellaud had a dwelling-place. 



Would I these harmless pastimes mij,ht pursue 

 And uncontroil'd might ponds and rivers view; 

 Whilst others spend their time in base excess, 

 In drinking, gaming, and in wantonness. 



Would I might let my fancy feed its fill, 

 And daily by fresh rivers walk at will, 

 Whilst others toil in hunting are perpiex'dj 

 And with unquiet recreations vex'd. 



Would I might view the compass of the sky, 

 The flaming chariot of the world's great 

 And fair Aurora lifting up her h^ad, 

 Blushing to rise from old Tithoaus' bed. 



Would I might walk in woods anil forests 

 In whose cool bowers the birds sing many a oug 

 And in the verdant meadows, fresh and green, 

 Would I' might sit aad court the summer's queen* 



Sic Opt at, R. N* 



