EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 93 



with and the common and every-day transactions of human 

 life. We shall try to give the meaning of one of these 

 dramatic songs, premising that the kind reader will make 

 due allowances for the lameness of our imitation. Almost 

 every disciple of the rod will yield his ready assent to the 

 truthfulness of the general sentiment, conveyed in this 

 somewhat antiquated Italian piece. 



11 How oftimes with my rod in hand, 



In wandering by the stream, 

 I've liken'd the angler's magic wand 

 To life's deceptive dream ! 



" The sky, perchance, looks fair and bright, 



The breeze curls on the brook, 

 The waters ting'd to please the sight, 

 Trout waiting for the hook ! 



" We plunge and strive from spot to spot, 



But not a fish will rise ; 

 In wonderment, at our ill lot, 

 Turn up our wistful eyes. 



" In daily life the same we see, 



When hope mounts on the wing ; 

 Our means to ends may not agree, 

 And griefs from labour spring. 



" Again, sometimes, the day is sour, 



And darkened is the sky ; 

 Fair sport seems far beyond our power, 

 Though artful be our fly. 



