Poems (Gould, 1833)/The Dissatisfied Angler Boy
THE DISSATISFIED ANGLER BOY.
I'm sorry they let me go down to the brook,I'm sorry they gave me the line and the hook,And I wish I had staid at home with my book. I'm sure 't was no pleasure to seeThat poor, little, harmless, suffering thingSilently writhe at the end of the string;Or to hold the pole, while I felt him swing In torture, and all for me!
'T was a beautiful, speckled and glossy trout,And when from the water I drew him outOn the grassy bank, as he floundered about, It made me shivering cold,To think I had caused so much needless pain:And I tried to relieve him, but all in vain:Oh! never, as long as I live, again May I such a sight behold!
O, what would I give once more to seeThe brisk little swimmer alive and free,And darting about, as he used to be, Unhurt, in his native brook!'T is strange how people can love to playBy taking innocent lives away:I wish I had staid at home to-day With sister, and read my book.