ISO THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



I love such mirth as does not make friends ashamed to look 

 upon one another next morning ; nor men that cannot well 

 bear it, to repent the money they spend when they be 

 warmed with drink : and take this for a rule, you may pick 

 out such times and such companions, that you may make 

 yourselves merrier for a little than a great deal of money ; 

 for " 'T is the company and not the charge that makes the 

 feast : " and such a companion you prove, I thank you for 

 it. 



But I will not compliment you out of the debt that I owe 

 you ; and therefore I will begin my song, and wish it may 

 be so well liked. 



THE ANGLER'S SONG. 



As inward love breeds outward talk, 

 The hound some praise, and some the hawk ; 

 Some, better pleased with private sport, 

 Use tennis ; some a mistress court : 



But these delights I neither wish 



Nor envy, while I freely fish. 



Who hunts, doth oft in danger ride ; 

 Who hawks, lures oft both far and wide ; 

 Who uses games, shall often prove 

 A loser ; but who falls in love 



Is fetter'd in fond Cupid's snare : 



My angle breeds me no such care. 



Of recreation there is none 

 So free as fishing is alone ; 

 All other pastimes do no less 

 Than mind and body both possess ; 



My hand alone my work can do, 



So I can fish and study too. 



I care not, I, to fish in seas 

 Fresh rivers best my mind do please, 



