' 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 lives oft both far and wide ; 

 Who uses games shall often prove 

 A loser ; but who falls in love 



Is fettered in fond Cupid's snare : 



My angle breeds me no such care. 



' Of recreations 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, 

 Whose sweet calm course I contemplate, 

 And seek in life to imitate : 



In civil bounds I fain would keep, 

 And for my past offences weep. 



The first men that our Saviour dear 

 Did choose to wait upon him here 

 Bless' d fishers were, and fish the last 

 Food was that He on earth did taste : 



I therefore strive to follow those 



Whom He to follow Him hath chose." ISAAC WALTON. 



; Wanderers on the dark blue sea ! 

 As your bark rides gallantly, 

 Prayer and praise become ye well, 

 Though ye hear no temple bell ; 

 The Sabbath hours which Grod has given, 

 Give ye to worship, rest, and heaven." 



