MUSA PISCATRIX
I
THE ANGLER'S DELECTATION
"The Secrets of Angling" (Book i.) and "The Complete Angler."
Let me live harmlessly; and near the brink
Of Trent or Avon have a dwelling-place,—
Where I may see my quill, or cork, down sink
With eager bite of perch, or bleak, or dace;
And on the world and my Creator think:
Whilst some men strive ill-gotten goods t' embrace;
And others spend their time in base excess
Of wine,—or, worse, in war and wantonness:
Let them that list, 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.
Among the daisies and the violets blue.
Red hyacinth and yellow daffodil,
Purple narcissus like the morning rays,
Pale gander-grass, and azure culver-keys.
