Let me live harmlessly, and near the brink 



Of Trent or Avon have a dwelling-place : 

 Where I may see my fly or cork down sink, 



With eager bite of pike, or bass, or dace, 

 And on the world and my Creator think : 



While some men strive ill-gotten goods t'embrace 

 And others spend their time in base excess 



Of wine, or worse, in war or wantonness. 

 Let them that will, these pastimes still pursue, 



And on such pleasing fancies feed their fill, 

 So I the fields and meadows green may view, 



And daily by fresh rivers walk at will. 



Ancient Angler. 



