94 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. [PART L 



and other sights had so fully possessed my soul with content, 

 that I thought, as the poet has happily expressed it, 



" I was for that time lifted above earth, 

 And possessed joys not promised in my birth." 



As I left this place, and entered into the next field, a second 

 pleasure entertained me ; 't was a handsome Milkmaid that had 

 not yet attained so much age and wisdom as to load her mind 

 with any fears of many things that will never be, as too many 

 men too often do ; but she cast away all care, and sung like a 

 nightingale. Her voice was good, and the ditty fitted for it ; 

 't was that smooth song, which was made by Kit Marlowe, 

 now at least fifty years ago : and the Milkmaid's mother sung 

 an answer to it, which was made by Sir Walter Raleigh in his 

 younger days. 



They were old-fashioned poetry, but choicely good, I think 

 much better than the strong lines that are now in fashion in 

 this critical age. Look yonder ! on my word, yonder they 

 both be a-milking again. I will give her the Chub, and per- 

 suade them to sing those two songs to us. 



God speed you, good woman ! I have been a-fishing, and 

 am going to Bleak Hall to my bed ; and having caught more 

 fish than will sup myself and my friend, I will bestow this upon 

 you and your daughter, for I use to sell none. 



MILK-W. Marry, God requite you! Sir, and we '11 eat it 

 cheerfully ; and if you come this way a-fishing two months 

 hence, a-grace of God I '11 give you a syllabub of new verjuice 

 in a new-made hay-cock for it, and my Maudlin shall sing you 

 one of her best ballads ; for she and I both love aU Anglers, 

 they be such honest, civil, quiet men. In the mean time will 

 you drink a draught of red cow's milk? you shall have it 

 freely. 



Pise. No, I thank you ; but I pray do us a courtesy that 

 shall stand you and your daughter in nothing, and yet we will 

 think our ourselves still something in your debt: it is but to 



