EIGHTEENTH CENTURY. 121 



turns by previous writers on the general pursuits and 

 contemplative habits of the angler. But still his merits 

 are great ; and posterity has hitherto stamped them with 

 their cordial and devoted approval. 



It is an unnecessary task to give anything like a formal 

 description or analysis of Walton's Complete Angler a 

 work which is in everybody's hands. A single poetical 

 quotation or two will answer all the purposes of an 

 extended notice. 



" Whilst I listen to thy voice, 



Chloris, I feel my heart decay : 



That powerful noise 



Calls my fleeting soul away : 

 Oh ! suppress that magic sound 

 Which destroys without a wound. 



Peace, Chloris, peace ; or singing die, 



That together you and I 



To heaven may go : 



For all we know 

 Of what the blessed do above 

 Is, that they sing, and that they love." 



" Oh, the gallant fisher's life, 

 It is the best of any ; 

 'Tis full of pleasure, void of strife, 

 And 'tis beloved by many : 



Other joys 



Are but toys ; 



Only this 



Lawful is : 



For our skill 



Breeds no ill, 

 But content and pleasure. 



11 



