128 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



into foam. And sometimes I beguiled time by viewing the 

 harmless lambs ; some leaping securely in the cool shade, 

 whilst others sported themselves in the cheerful sun ; and 

 saw others craving comfort from the swollen udders of their 

 bleating dams. As I thus sat, these and other sights had 

 so fully possessed my soul with content, that I thought, as 

 the poet hath happily expressed it, 



" I was for that time lifted above earth, 

 And possess'd 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 milk- 

 maid, 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 sang like a nightingale : her voice was good, 

 and the ditty fitted for it : it was that smooth song which 

 was made by Kit Marlow, d now at least fifty years ago; and 

 the milkmaid's mother sang 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 persuade 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 friend, I will bestow this upon 

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



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

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



