TO ME*4JLTH* 



O THOU ! the sportsman's guide and friend, 

 Hygeia, to our plains descend; 

 Inspire the theme, attune the voice, 

 'Midst nature's blessings to rejoice : 

 Without thee pleasure turns to pain. 

 And the lark's matin song is vain. 



Soon as the frozen earth unbinds 

 Her loosened glebe, when southern winds 

 On rippling streams begin to play, 

 Conduct us forth at early day ; 

 Whilst on fair Flora's front are set, 

 The primrose and the violet : 

 Each morn together let us trace 

 To unlock'd springs the Naiad race ; 

 See their rich urns the task apply 

 Our fruitful rivers to supply ; 

 Thence roving the gay banks along, 

 (Whilst musing. on the silver song) 

 View the bright salmon swiftly glide. 

 The trout in all his speckled pride, 

 The red finn'd perch of num'rous breed, 

 And the bold tyrant pike succeed :j 



