96 



NOTES ON FISH AND PISHING. 



Here is an old song in which the ladies declare their 

 intention to take to angling, though I will not hold them 

 answerable for the somewhat involved meaning of the 

 first stanza, or the Tate and Brady rhyme in the refrain, — 



" By purling streams, in shady dell, 

 The angler tunes his vocal shell, 



And, hark ! invites the fair ; 

 Soft and enticing are his lays, 

 And sweet to men of sense his praise — 

 Our smiles reward his care. 



The jolly angler's sports we'll join, 

 And love with pastime shall combine. 



" Too long has foolish custom crept 

 Between the sexes — too long kept 



Those form'd for bliss apart ; 

 The bottle's rude intemp'rate noise 

 The social charms of life destroys 

 Which woman's horn t' impart. 



" The chase ill suits our tender frame, 

 Exposure brings the blush of shame — 



Indelicate display ; 

 But see the fair with arm divine 

 Spring round the rod, and throw the line, 



'Tis grace herself at play. 



" We'll have the peaceful angler's joys ; 

 The world's tumult, care, and noise 



For calmer scenes resign ; 

 Upon our cheeks health's ruddy glow 

 Ethereal beauty will bestow, 

 And make our charms divine. 



" Boy, hither bring th' elastic wand, 

 Endued with magic by our hand, 



'Twill charm the finny prey ; 

 With graceful sweep, the line once thrown, 

 Pishes as well as men shall own 

 Our universal sway. 



The jolly angler's sport, &o." 



