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WHITNEY (J.) Genteel Recreation : or, the Pleasures of 
 Poem, with the Dialogue between Piscator and Coiydon, ISri 
 
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THE 
 
 Genteel Recreation: 
 
 Or, the Pleasure of 
 
 ANGLING, 
 
 A POEM. 
 With a DIALOGUE 
 
 BETWEEN 
 
 JPiscator and Corydon. 
 
 By JOHN WHITNEY, 
 
 A Lover of the Angle. 
 
 LONDON, 
 
 Printed in the Year. 1700. 
 
ONE HUNDRED COPIES, 
 
 REPRINTED FOR 
 
 .1. II. BURN, MAIDEN LANE, 
 
 CO VENT GARDEN, 
 
 1820. 
 
 CASE 
 
 J. Johnson, Printer, ErunU .Street, Holborn. 
 
AD VER TISEMENT. 
 
 -J2 
 
 Jpfc 
 
 T%e extreme rarity of this work, probably owing 
 to its having been printed for the Author, is such, 
 that the publisher does not remember to have met 
 with any other copy, in any sale Catalogue, than 
 that described in Messrs. Longman's Bibliotheca 
 Anglo- Poetica, from whence it was purchased by 
 the late possessor for Jive guineas, and now forms 
 one (not the least conspicuous) of a singularly 
 fine Collection of Books on Angling, in the pos- 
 session of Mr. Major, of Skinner Street. 
 
 Of the Author nothing is now known, though 
 it has been conjectured he was the son of Captain 
 Whitney who commanded one of the ships that 
 accompanied Sir Walter Raleigh in his voyage 
 to Guinea. 
 
 The present impression does not extend to 
 more than one hundred copies, and was under- 
 taken at the instigation of several gentlemen who 
 were desirous of making their Collections as com- 
 plete as possible; to their patronage he now trusts, 
 and for their former favours, received in a liberal 
 subscription to his prior publications on the sub- 
 ject, the publisher begs leave to return his most 
 sincere thanks. 
 
 M8S6456 
 
TO 
 
 My HONOURED FRIEND 
 JOHN HYDE, Esq; 
 
 SIR, 
 
 Liberty you gave me this last Sum- 
 mer to Angle in your great Pond at 
 Winckliurst, emboldens me in gratitude to 
 present you with this little treatise on the 
 pleasure of Angling; the observations are 
 my own, and some of the Pleasure I re- 
 ceived in your good Company when Angling 
 at Heaver, and since in the Company of 
 Capt. Comer, and an other Gentleman at 
 Winckhurst ; where in one Day we caught 
 about twenty brace of extraordinary large 
 Carps with very sweet Eeles and Tench ; I 
 believe I shall hardly forget the Pearch of 
 eighteen Inches long, caught by Capt. Cb- 
 mer^ nor the Old Gentlemans resolution, 
 while we were drinking a Dram of the Bot- 
 tle, a Fish run away with his rod, which he 
 
 being 
 
The Dedication. 
 
 being unwilling* to loose, stript off his 
 Cloaths and leapt in, and in swimming 
 proved too nimble for the Fish, for I assure 
 you, he brought them both out with much 
 content to regain his Rod. 
 
 Sir, the Capt. assures me, there be 
 larger Pearch in the Pond tho I never saw 
 a braver, should I commend the Fish some 
 may think I flatter, but of all the Ponds I 
 ever Angled in, I never received so much 
 delight in so little time, nor ever eat of 
 sweeter or larger Carps, for all we caught 
 that did not exceed sixteen or eighteen 
 Inches, we turn'd into the water again, 
 thinking it pity to kill them before they 
 came to their full growth, which commonly 
 exceeds twenty. 
 
 Sir, I know your Love to Fish and 
 Angling, and how to your great cost, you 
 have caused to be dig'd a large square Pond 
 in your great Yard before your dwelling 
 place at Sundridg, and storing it with brave 
 Carps and other Fish, which Pond contains 
 in length three hundred Foot, and two 
 hundred and ten foot in breadth, all dug 
 out of the side of a Hill to the depth of 
 fourteen Foot, and wharfing it ninety foot 
 against the Highway side, with Extraordi- 
 nary 
 
The Dedication. 
 
 nary good Plancks of Oak, the Trees being 
 fell'd in your own ground that made them, 
 and then in the middle of the Pond a most 
 delightful Summer House to go to by Boat, 
 twelve foot long and ten foot broad, with a 
 Fountain in the middle, where the water 
 plays in sundry Figures ; besides the Rails 
 and Ballisters that compass it round, there's 
 a Platform of lead on the top, with Rails 
 and Ballisters to walk and Angle upon. 
 
 But that which gives the greater grace, 
 in my Opinion, is the Summer House stand- 
 ing upon a Fish House, which beside the 
 Fish there kept, is stored all round with 
 Nests for Ducks, where they breed in abun- 
 dance, and under the Eves of the uppermost 
 Platform, there is an Ingenious contrivance 
 for Coves, wherein the Pidgeons encrease 
 extraordinary; It's no easy matter for a 
 Simon Suck-egg to Rob either of their 
 Nests, unless he'll adventure at one time 
 both Drowning and Hanging; 'Tis very 
 pleasant walking round the Pond, where a 
 Man hath six or seven foot of Earth over 
 his head on the one side for a shelter, while 
 the other side defends him from the water 
 by a shade of Osiers. 
 
 I have also seen your round Fountain 
 
 in 
 
The Dedication. 
 
 in your delightful best Garden, and the 
 stock of Fish therein kept to be always at 
 hand to pleasure your Friends, which is 
 continually stored with Trouts and Carps of 
 the largest size; I remember also the Oval 
 Fountain in the Kitchen Garden, which is 
 a good Nursery for the younger fry, but 
 above all, I admire at your Ingenuity in con- 
 triving that Square Pond on the top of 
 your House, which contains good Carps 
 and other Fish, and is an excellent diver- 
 tisement when you are pleased to disport 
 your self and friends with your fine Water 
 Works, I admired once how the water as- 
 cended to that Height, to be always full of 
 sweet and fresh water, till you were pleased 
 to shew me how you performed it by the 
 help of an Engine. 
 
 If there be delights any where, I think 
 you have them all at home, for a Man 
 to see Fish swimming on the top of your 
 House and the Fowls of Heaven to live 
 and breed under the water, will be strange 
 to those whose faith is too weak to believe, 
 or capacity to understand your Ingenuity, 
 how you have made Coves for Pidgeons 
 under the Pond where they breed, that a 
 
 Man 
 
The Dedication. 
 
 Man may justly say, that only Lead keeps 
 the two Elements asunder. 
 
 Sir, you know that what I write is truth, 
 I would not have People think I equivo- 
 cate when I tell them without Romancing", 
 how that Pond on the Houses top serves 
 not only to keep Fish but also to play your 
 fine Water Works, both in your Cellar and 
 in the round Fountain in your best Garden, 
 but also in the Ovall Fountain in the fore 
 Court, where the water rises twenty foot 
 Perpendicular; neither must I forget the 
 same water runing through several Mean- 
 ders, Plays also into the Summer House 
 that stands in the great Pond. 
 
 Sir, as you have to my thinking all the 
 pleasure the Water and the Air can afford 
 you at home, so I know you can have abun- 
 dance more when you are pleased to divert 
 your self at Bore-place, and injoy the Plea- 
 sure of the great Pond at Winckhurst, 
 either in the Summer time with your Angle, 
 or in the Winter with your Gun in your 
 Boat, when the wild Ducks and other Fowl 
 resort thither in great Numbers, few Ponds 
 being of that extent as to cover twenty 
 Acres, which it is most commonly in the 
 Winter; beside your other Pond calPd 
 
 Baillies 
 
The Dedication. 
 
 Baillies, which generally covers twelve 
 Acres of ground, as also the lower Pond 
 that contains six Acres and feeds two Mills 
 to grind Corn, these Ponds being extream- 
 ly well stored with Fish and Wild Fowl in 
 Winter, renders your Injoyments beyond 
 expectation. 
 
 I could sum up more delights attend 
 you, as your Pretty Warren for Coneys 
 closed in with a substantial strong stone 
 Wall, did I think, I could escape the cen- 
 sure of flattery of which I was never Guilty, 
 and since I have been partaker of most of 
 them in your Company, and hope still with 
 your Permission to injoy them, I do with 
 true thankfulness subscribe my self, 
 
 SIN, 
 
 Your most Humble and 
 
 Obliged Servant, 
 JOHN WHITNEY. 
 
THE 
 
 PREFACE 
 
 TO THE 
 
 Lovers of Angling. 
 
 Gentlemen, 
 
 np His little treatise of the Pleasure of An- 
 gling / Composed for my own Diver- 
 sion, not that I Glory of being an Artist in 
 that harmless Recreation; Really, I cannot 
 presume to be the only expert in that Art, 
 knowing there be many abler Artists, espe- 
 cially that Ingenious Author of the Innocent 
 Epicure whose Poem is worthy Admiration ; 
 / have taken nothing from him, nor of hers 
 who have wrote of the Art of Angling, and 
 think my own Experience is best to display 
 my own thoughts, which I have done in a kind 
 of rambling way, my thoughts some time rim 
 on the Muses, as well as on Fishes, for which 
 reason I have endeavoured to put my beloved 
 Exercise in Verse, most was Composed by the 
 River side, in such seasons the Fish did not 
 yield the pleasure I expected, all are my own 
 
 observations 
 
The Preface. 
 
 observations which I have truly related, with 
 some Accidents which gave me good Divertion, 
 and am as well pleased to see my self baulked 
 sometimes, by loosing a well grown Fish by 
 Carelessness or Accident, as to have him in 
 my Bag, as you may perceive in some places 
 in the Poem; I look upon him to be a good 
 Artist, that takes some, not he that takes all ; 
 I am no engrosser, neither am I covetous of 
 them, giving most and the best to Friends, and 
 willingly instruct any that bear me Company, 
 and are desirous to be Proficients in the Art. 
 By giving them all the Instructions I 
 can, with the knowledge of the baits I use, 
 which frees me from the thoughts of using 
 preposterous baits, some who have been An- 
 gling with me, have been possessed with a 
 fancy that I had an Art to mingle something 
 with my baits, and for that reason took more 
 Fish than themselves, to undeceive them, I 
 have given them of the same they have seen 
 me bait my Hook with, yet they were never 
 the better Artists; Nay, I have given them 
 my Rod and Line, and taken theirs, with 
 which I took some, tho they were with my 
 Tackling no wiser then before. I solemnly 
 protest, all the Craft 1 used to succeed better 
 then they, was only due observation of the 
 depth of the water, and absconding my self from 
 sight, with advantage to Sun and Wind, 'tis true, 
 my Tackling is generallyjincr then most used in 
 our Rivers, who are afraid of breaking a Line 
 or loosing a Hooky by reason of the great ob- 
 struction 
 
The Preface. 
 
 siruciion of Bushes and Rotten Trees at the 
 bottom : Tho in such places I commonly find 
 the best sport, neither have they the knowledge, 
 or else are negligent to lengthen, or shorten 
 their float according to the depth of water, 
 beside they^d make one Hook to serve for all 
 Fish, which is meerly ridiculous, with six or 
 seven hairs to a strand, nay, I have known 
 more ; such bungling tackle is good for no- 
 thing but to frighten the Fish, while I ever use 
 but two or three hairs at most, and if clear way, 
 will hold a C hub of a Foot long. If I am hung 
 on obnoxious Bushes or Stubs under water, 1 
 have ways to free mi/ Hook, or if lost, I need 
 not grieve, for I have always more ready, Ex- 
 perience is the best director and by daily ob- 
 servations. 
 
 A Man may if stocked with patience suc- 
 ceed to his wishes, but he must have an extra- 
 ordinary care to observe the seasons, without 
 which all is but labour in vain, due considera- 
 tion is to be had to his baits as well as Tack- 
 ling, which are to be sweet and clean scowr^d, 
 especially Worms and Gentile, the best Gen- 
 tils that I know breed from a Dead Cat, if 
 the Angler be nice of his jingers, a pair of 
 broad pliers may keep his hands clean, and a 
 few days lying in bran will make them Jit for 
 his sport. I use to scowr my Worms zoith- 
 out Fenil or Grass, as most do about me, tho 
 they use them commonly just taken out of the 
 ground, when I jirst take my worms, I put 
 
 them 
 
The Preface. 
 
 them into a large earthen Pan, that they may 
 have room to crawl and purge out their earth 
 and slime for about twenty four hours ; then 
 I wrap them in a Greasie Dish Clout which 
 hath been used much, but not to salt meat, 
 then I lay clean moist Moss in the bottom of 
 the Pan, with worms in the clout and cover 
 them over with more, in three days they'll 
 begin to eat their way through the clout) and 
 in the Moss scowr themselves, when hungery, 
 they'll return to the clout again to feed, and 
 in a weeks time be Jit for use ; I kept some 
 three Months with once a week changing the 
 Clout and Moss. 
 
 It is but labour lost to describe the keeping 
 of baits and making of Pastes, wherefore 1 
 
 forbear 5 only these two [except the fly] 1 
 most commonly use, and thought good to 
 shew the way I prepare them, tho every one 
 may follow his own fancy ; I have been a 
 Lover of Angling from a child and now above 
 sixty cannot forbear, yet never could attain 
 the Art with a Bow and Arrow to shoot Fish 
 swimming, as I have seen Boys in the \Vest- 
 Indies; / make no question, but some will 
 
 find fault and I expect it, but when I consider 
 the world affords both wise Men and Fools, 
 and both Jind equal admirers I am satisfied; 
 as to the verse there is faults and folly enough, 
 but grant Poetical Licence, if in pleasing no 
 body 1 have pleased my self, and that's all 
 the reward I desire. 
 
 J. W. 
 
THE 
 
 Genteel Recreation: 
 
 OR, THE 
 
 ART 
 
 OF 
 
 ANGLING. 
 
 HAppy's the Man blest with a moderate 
 state, 
 His Grandsires Land devolved to him by fate, 
 
 And constant there remains, 
 Bound fast by Laws strong Adamantine chains, 
 He gently can survey his Meads, and be 
 Spectator of his own felicity ; 
 
 Those 
 
2 C!)t Ofaittcel 
 
 Those curious Meads, 
 New Pleasure breeds, 
 A purling Brook just by, 
 Where the Inhabitants 
 Of all the watery Elements, 
 
 Strive nature to out- vie. 
 
 Those various Beauties which the Medows breed, 
 The watery fry in spangled glory far exceed, 
 While carking cares that do the mind oppress, 
 By Men unwary of their happiness : 
 Clog'd with the burden of Domestick cares, 
 
 May here dispel those lingering fears, 
 And learn new Joys, observing of the fry, 
 How they at Natural and Artificial glorys fly. 
 Puft with conceit, 
 They take the bait, 
 Arid by extorted usury die. 
 While minds sedate, scorn the destroying pelf, 
 And value not that all devouring shelf 
 
 Of mighty riches. 
 
 Thoughts most serene, and Calm the mind, 
 No Counter buffs of Fortune blind 
 
 Their Soul bewitches; 
 
 Tho Heaven thunder, Jove his lightning send, 
 They're always constant to their friend, 
 
 And with a Heart most pure, 
 The storms of Fortune ever can endure. 
 
 II. 
 
(Started JSUemtfon* 
 
 IT. 
 
 But now I'll sing, how minds opprest by care, 
 Find sundry cures, but this the only rare, 
 While by a Chrystal brook, 
 With Rod and Line and Hook; 
 They strive for to surprise, 
 The Rovers of the watery Element, 
 Without a bad Intent 
 Of hoarding up their prize. 
 No Bags of Gold, for which the Misers wish, 
 And dies a Slave unto an empty Dish, 
 Can them entice 
 Their pleasure's more, 
 Then all the store, 
 That Damn themselves by greedy Avarice. 
 
 Joys so supreme an Angler finds, 
 While all the stream he views and therein minds, 
 The true content, 
 Of time well spent, 
 In placing of his Hooks and Lines. 
 His several baits he varies both to time and place, 
 And thinks it no disgrace; 
 Sometime an eager Fish, 
 Frustrates the long expected wish, 
 
 By 
 
dfrmtttl itocrcation* 
 
 By breaking of his Line, 
 Yet he'll not Curse nor Swear, 
 Like those in passion are: 
 But wait a more Auspicious time. 
 For to retrive the fleeting prey he lost, 
 And that retaken Glory of the most. 
 
 III. 
 
 Now with the Tyrant of the Silver stream, 
 
 I first, kind Maro, will begin my Angling Theme, 
 
 And leave the Sallmon since our streams afford, 
 
 No Habitation for that mighty Lord. 
 
 I nothing know, nor nothing say of him, 
 
 So leave him to his Pleasure where he'll swim, 
 
 But for the Pike my chiefest love, my care, 
 
 No pains, no cost, I willingly would spare, 
 
 For his voracious Appetite; 
 Enkindles fervour to a fresh delight. 
 When fair Aurora, leaves her dark Cavern, 
 And Sol's uprising first I can discern, 
 Shaking the moisture from his dew'y locks, 
 To set a Lusture on a Thousand Lady Smocks. 
 Enameling the Medows fair and bright, 
 But just reliv'd from the terrours of the night, 
 I march along, and with a dainty taper Pole 
 Of nine foot long or more I make my troul, 
 
 With 
 
(frmtttl Recreation* 5 
 
 With Curious Rings fixt so to ply, 
 And humour him my skilful Enemy. 
 
 First from the Brook 1 take, 
 A Gudgeon, Roach, or Chevin for my bait, 
 Which suddenly I then empail, 
 Upon my hook and fixing tie his tail ; 
 
 My hook well armed with wyer strong, 
 And commonly eight Inches long. 
 T to my Swivel fix, that so my line, 
 From fleeting reel may give him his due time. 
 The next care then must be to find his haunt, 
 As well as to provide him his Provant, 
 
 Tho he's not squeemish, all he sees 
 Without distinction will his fancy please, 
 
 Except his brother Perch. 
 Whose sharpened Javelins he disdains to touch, 
 
 Well knowing with a Timorous care, 
 His end approaches if ensnared there. 
 
 So where two Rivers meet, 
 And Loving streams each other greet, 
 
 Then boldly shoot in one, 
 Against that stream he certain lies, 
 And Pirate like waits to surprise, 
 
 The Merchant sailing on : 
 
 Or, see neer to a hollow bank, and silent shade, 
 Where subjects of the watery Kingdoms made 
 
 Them 
 
6 Hlfyt <2entt fttcreatfon* 
 
 Them sure recesses, when the storms grow high, 
 Their constant harbours to the scaly fry. 
 
 There begin, 
 And by an even throw, 
 Strive to deceive the Fishes mortal foe. 
 
 Just to the brim, 
 Retrive the sinking Roach, 
 With gentle stirring then he will approach, 
 With eager hast to taste the Loved prey, 
 And Tyrant like take all, then turn away, 
 Then give him line and let the reel so be, 
 
 From knots and snarl's exceeding free, 
 He'll quickly drown himself in his Debauchery ; 
 Yet to my sorrow I but lately found, 
 One took my bait and stoutly stood his ground. 
 While I expected he should run or fly, 
 The only certain sign to sing his obsequie : 
 
 But he grown cunning, 
 
 Lest his runing, 
 
 Should himself destroy, 
 
 Spit forth the bait, 
 
 And made a safe retreat, 
 That baulk'd my much expected Joy. 
 
 IV. 
 
(fatntttl Jfocmtton* 
 
 IV. 
 
 In Surry Rises there, 
 A branch of Medway, where 
 Store of all sorts of Fish do breed, 
 To serve for Pleasure and for need, 
 Well stor'd with Game the Rivers be, 
 Could they from poaching be kept free : 
 Once Angling at the Rivers side, 
 
 Observing how the stream 
 In gentle motions then did slide, 
 With eager haste to meet his bride, 
 
 And makes his Joys supream ; 
 By chance I spy'd a Rustick Clown,* 
 A hailing something up and down, 
 To him I streight repair, 
 And ask'd his business there. 
 He told me Fishing for an hour or two, 
 .Lord, how amaz'd was I to see him go, 
 A bush pul'd frem the hedg, his Angling rod 
 No top, but like a staff with which Men plod, 
 When driving home full udders to the pail, 
 Heaven bless me when such tackling can prevail: 
 
 * Jar vice Hills. 
 
 His 
 
8 10$t <&mttt\ i&tcrtatioiu 
 
 His hook ti'd to a string, that to a piece of leather, 
 A flote just in the place where both were knit 
 
 . together, 
 
 Fortune her self that time was double blind, 
 She could not see and so perforce was kind. 
 For straight he took tw r o Bleaks, one Roach, 
 And last of all a well grown Perch, 
 Who gasping lay upon the ground, 
 I Judged to weigh at least a pound. 
 Pleas'd with the fancy I unto him gave, 
 An Angle, Rod and Line the best I have, 
 And shew'd him where good baits to find 
 A Cow-turd, ten days old, and newly lin'd, 
 With blew-tails which from homed Gentiles spring, 
 A ready bait and good for every thing, 
 The Man was Civil, and exprest his mind, 
 In real thanks, then sought some better luck to 
 
 find. 
 
 At Eaton Bridge we may at first begin, 
 To Trowl or Angle which the Angler will, 
 OVe pleasant Medows which the eye invite, 
 To De la ware, * whose Prospect gives delight; 
 
 * Mr. Henry Streatfields. 
 
 Surround^ 
 
Genteel JfiUcvtation, 9 
 
 Surrounding Rivers sometime over-flow, 
 And wash the Walls of that most Antient Fa- 
 brick so 
 
 As if they Homage paid to Streatfields Fame, 
 And tendred without trouble their abounding 
 
 Game. 
 Pike, Pearch and Roach, the greedy Chub and 
 
 Bleak, 
 
 With several others Men Ingenious seek, 
 That use the Angle or Laborious Trowl, 
 Morning or Night the Fishes to Cajole, 
 And ther's a Fish peculiar to that place, 
 If Jove wou'd Angle 'twould his God-head grace ; 
 Roach-like he's made, his scales of burnish'd 
 
 Gold, 
 
 That shine like Mettle from Pactolm Roll'd, 
 Nameless he is, till some more fruitful Pen, 
 Describes his wonderous make, like Adam when 
 Baptizing Creatures with Immortal Names; 
 The Glory of great Medway and more Silver 
 
 Thames. 
 From thence o'r verdent Meads, 
 
 Our Joys supream exceeds, 
 When Heaver* Castle to our eye, 
 Congratulates our coming nigh, 
 
 * Mr. William titreatjield. 
 
 Where 
 
10 $ (Jfantert &ematfon+ 
 
 Where I full often have most wellcome been, 
 To him who is my friend, and thinks it is a sin, 
 If we neglect his Cider and March Beer, 
 His most obliging Company and chear. 
 Anglers are wellcome still to him, 
 A Hummer fill'd unto the Brim, 
 Shews Bounty still confined within his wall, 
 Till Love and Liquor brings a Deluge o'r us all ; 
 No thanks he'll have, 
 His Soul is brave. 
 
 Ah ! Streatfield, thee I will Imbrace, 
 In Bonds of Friendship, time can't chase 
 Thee from my mind, nor from thy Castle- Wall, 
 Where Natures Blessings are abounding all. 
 To Chidding '-stone, two Miles or more, 
 We Angle may, or then give o'r, 
 
 If that the Sun decline; 
 Tho many times within the Night, 
 The Fish will eagerly and greedy bite, 
 
 And make our pleasure all Divine. 
 Penhurst, thy stream's too Rapid and too large, 
 
 For me to Angle in, 
 My time ill spent I there discharge, 
 
 And neither loose nor win. 
 At Lciyh, I know fresh pastime to persue, 
 
 And 
 
efantetl Hmtattott. n 
 
 And there all day till Night, 
 I reap a double sweet delight; 
 In thy Meanders among the watery crew, 
 Tunbridge comes next and stor'd with Poachers 
 
 plenty, 
 Large is thy stream, of Fish yet almost empty. 
 
 Large Nets the game do so destroy, 
 That with an Angle few we can decoy ; 
 
 But here perforce 1 must give o'r, 
 A stranger I'm unto the Neighbouring shore, 
 The Current's strong and swiftly speeds, 
 By Divers turnings through the Meads 
 
 To Maidstone. 
 
 Where Oyster Ketches they in plenty ply, 
 And other Vessels twice as big or nigh, 
 
 Are coming home 
 
 From Rochester, where with the Medway she, 
 Most kindly meets and both fall in the Sea. 
 
 Muse sing now the Trout, with all his Arts, 
 His haunts, his motion and his sudden starts, 
 Whene'er a curious fly drops in the stream 
 Make him thy choice and chuse him for thy Theam. 
 
 The off-spring of the fair Darwent, 
 In thousand pleasing Ruptures see him rise, 
 With Murmuring pleasures to our Ears and Eyes; 
 To force himself a vent, 
 
 In 
 c 
 
In gentle Numbers first he seems to go, 
 But with united forces will overflow 
 
 His bounds, 
 And all the Neighbouring grounds, 
 
 That lye below. 
 Old Crockham Street* where first he makes his 
 
 way, 
 
 To view Sol's Glory and his brighter ray, 
 The Joyful Issue of approaching day, 
 
 He runs not far before he meets, 
 Fair Squrries Nymphs and kindly greets; 
 Three Sister Ponds well stor'd with fry, 
 The Eternal bounties of the sky, 
 Encreasing more with stronger force, 
 To Westerham Town he bends his course, 
 
 Then visits Valence stony ground, 
 And in Meanders hurls himself quite round 
 
 To Sraisteed. 
 
 At Sundridg pent in narrower room, 
 He gets more strength at length to roam. 
 
 To Cheapsteed. 
 
 Where first begins the sporting prize, 
 Angler beware, for he's precise, 
 And knows his time to sink or rise : 
 If weather's fair and sultrey hot, 
 Your labour's vain and nothing to be got, 
 
 * At Mr. Tollers. Unless 
 
(Rental Recreation, 13 
 
 Unless a gentle Breez, 
 
 Blow Neighbouring flys from off the taller Trees; 
 Which to your hook and single hair, 
 Judicious eye and special care. 
 Angler tread soft, for if the ground 
 By ruder feet make any sound ; 
 
 Then void is all your care, 
 As well as if you stood too near: 
 Which to prevent no shadow should come nigh, 
 Nor you to see, 
 Where Fishes be, 
 Into the waters pry; 
 Keep the Sun constant in ^our face, 
 Reflections on the water less will be, 
 
 So you'll have pleasure to embrace, 
 While others loose by their simplicity. 
 Cheapsteed, I'd love thee could'st thou always be, 
 
 From Knaves and Poachers ever free, 
 Then thy sweet stream would multiply : 
 To Longford then where first the worm we use, 
 For these two baits I only always use; 
 For Minnows none we have, nor none are nigh, 
 For better sport should Trouts our worms deny, 
 And never rise at Natural, or at Artificial fly, 
 Then sometime in a dusky evening late : 
 A grey Snail from the ground I take, 
 And gently o'r the stream I troul. 
 
 Tis 
 
14 Cfic mtwl 3Ucatton. 
 
 ? Tis safe, 'tis sure to try with all, 
 If but some Rain the day before did fall, 
 
 For Muddy streams a little vext, 
 
 With falling showers decoy him best: 
 
 Or, to take a Beetle always brown, 
 That Boys from off the Apple-Trees knock down, 
 Which in an Evening late when all the Stars, 
 
 To Heavens black Cannopy withdraws. 
 
 You may be sure good sport to find, 
 If but the following precepts well you mind, 
 Four Wings he has, two scaly, two of softest down 
 But with his tail your largest hook encrown ; 
 Ne'r hurt him, all his Wings he will expand, 
 And Sing a Murmuring Tune the Trouts can un- 
 derstand, 
 
 Who greedy of so sweet a prey, 
 Leap straight and bear the Songster quite away. 
 When with a sudden touch I feel him rove, 
 I soon injoy my wishes and my Love, 
 Try this but once, you'll quickly find it true, 
 And neatly after this same slight persue. 
 But let no noise the wary Trout offend, 
 By stiring ground or reeds, lest vain your wishes 
 end, 
 
 Now through the Moore s* I take my way, 
 
 * Mr. Farnabys. 
 
 And 
 
dfttntttl JSUmatiott* 15 
 
 And silent search o'r Stones and Clay, 
 Which way the stream conducts me in my play: 
 A well scour'd Lobworm now I only use, 
 Which eager Trout s but seldom will refuse, 
 But use no flote to tell you when they bite, 
 The very thoughts of such a thing will fright 
 
 The wary Trout, 
 Yet I'll resolve the doubt, 
 How by a certain way, 
 
 He'll yield himself and so become your prey : 
 Let lead sufficient but your worm to sink, 
 Drive gently with the stream I'th midle or the brink , 
 Close on the ground no stops or stay, 
 To hinder all and spoil your play ; 
 But with a steady hand your Rod and Line so keep, 
 That nothing but the ground your bait should sweep. 
 For if the Line upon the surface lies, 
 The Angler with his Tools is little wise; 
 
 He'll miss his prey, 
 Thro' his uncertain way, 
 The Trout is still so shie. 
 He Angle may, 
 Ten hours a day, 
 And never make one dye : 
 If once you feel him bite, 
 At Morning or at Night, 
 
 With 
 
16 !) Sottwl 
 
 With leasure let him run, 
 Or else your Joys are Baulk'd by loosing half your 
 
 worm, 
 
 Which to prevent, give time to Gorge the bait, 
 And by a gentle touch you'll hook him streight. 
 Down thro' the Moores to Otford gently go, 
 Inviting pleasures still attend you, so 
 To Shorham, where use your skill and choicest care, 
 
 Both with the worm and single hair, 
 And never doubt for pleasure most abounding there. 
 At twenty places where the Riv er turns, 
 Is sport sufficient both for fly and worms : 
 At Lulling stone* and Farningham, 
 The Trouts are kind and yield good game, 
 If with judicious eye and steady hand, 
 
 Your Rod and Line you can command, 
 When Dartford, first comes to your eye, 
 Pack up your Tools and homeward high, 
 For sweet Darent by going thither, 
 Hows into Thames and runs the Lord knows 
 
 whether. 
 
 Now sing the Carp and turn thy theam my Muse, 
 To fresh delights, 
 And cunning slights, 
 That skillful Anglers use. 
 
 * PercivallHart, Esq; 
 
 This 
 
17 
 
 This Fish takes no delight in Rivers much to be, 
 But pent in Ponds injoys a sweet Captivity, 
 Well stored with such our Kentish grounds they 
 
 are, 
 
 And Sussex too yields some exceeding rare; 
 For there I know a little Brook which runs, 
 First with a gentle stream then silent turns 
 Into a mighty Pond, and finding there a stay, 
 Bemoans himself to have a freer way, 
 
 Like to a dying Stag at Bay ; 
 There's Carps the glory of the Land, some be 
 
 Thirty Inches long excepting three. 
 And weighty too when brought unto the ground, 
 Each Carp if large, may weigh at least five Pound, 
 When Sol's bright rays began for to decline, 
 A Reverend Matron* with a Hook and Line, 
 
 Had nick'd the most auspicious time: 
 Silent she goes and takes a shady stand, 
 W r atchful her eye and steady was her hand, 
 For well she knew them both for to command, 
 A worm well scour'd without the help of stink- 
 ing tar, 
 
 That was her bait, arid that was best by far, 
 Tho to my cost I've try'd and certain know, 
 That Tarr's strong stench hath little here to do, 
 
 * Mrs. Barges, of Withyham. 
 
 But 
 
18 Cfje (Sitntttl Mentation* 
 
 But kill the worm, but I confess that Fishes smell, 
 Or that my apprehension is but ill ; 
 For I have seen them to my flote and JLead repair, 
 And gently touch them with insulting care. 
 Nice be theirPalats, and their sense exceeding rare, 
 Then by a sudden turn the bait they spie, 
 They smell and swallow and exclaiming dye ; 
 Bless me I had forgot, 
 This Tarr disturbs my mind, 
 My Matron at the Fishing Plot, 
 
 That is to Anglers kind, 
 Before the Glorious Sun went down, 
 Returning was the plodding clown, 
 
 To sweet repose, 
 But she packs up her Tools and homeward goes. 
 
 Well Laden with a Brace or more, 
 The just expence of but one only hour; 
 
 Fraught with her luck some new designs, 
 Caus'd me next morn to rise betimes, 
 'Fore Sol had left his watery couch, 
 And to the Pond with speed approach : 
 A friend* had lately given to me a strand, 
 And for its strength exceedingly commend, 
 Unhappy f when it first came to our land; 
 
 * Mr. Nathaniell Rnsea'eU. 
 t Indiafi Grass. 
 
 Or 
 
&ecattott, 19 
 
 Or I, to pitch upon that Line, 
 To Angle with at that unluckey time, 
 No sooner was compleat my Fishing Geer, 
 But that I chanc'd to spie unto me steer. 
 Two Carps that were of mighty size, 
 My heart e'n leapt to make of one a prize ; 
 As they came Sailing careless on their way, 
 A well scour'd worm I in their course convay. 
 The water there not two foot deep, 
 
 Besides so clear, 
 
 That all their motions plainly did appear, 
 Behind a shady Oak conceal'd I stood, 
 And with a wary eye observed the flood, 
 And all their motions as they mov'd, 
 Thus while they nearer drew, 
 My hopes I still renew, 
 They'd nible at my bait, 
 Tho after curse me for my sly deceit ; 
 
 And quickly plainly cou'd descry, 
 That one had something pleasing to his eye, 
 He seem'd to smile and with expanded Jaws, 
 Hug'd his good luck and silent gave Applause. 
 Till with a gentle touch I hook'd him streight, 
 While he stood wondring whence should come 
 
 deceit, 
 Under the Luster of so fair a bait; 
 
 He 
 
20 18%* (fctntttl Jtocmtiotu 
 
 He never seem'd, or scorn'd to run, 
 But with a sudden yerk his tail did turn, 
 And then as suddenly my Joys were gone, 
 For my new strand gave way and broke, 
 But what's become of worm and hook, 
 For both I'm sure he fairly took. 
 Vext, no we Anglers often loose our prize, 
 Compleat let all our Tackling be, and most precise, 
 For Fishes prove sometimes more wise then we, 
 As by this late ensample all may see, 
 
 That Lovers of the Angle be : 
 Immediately 1 left that stand, 
 
 No speech in Fishes be, 
 Yet one another they can understand, 
 
 With sure dexterity. 
 
 Then for the smaller fry I made my way, 
 The stream and Pond affording every day, 
 Chub, Roach, and Perch and Jacks in plenty be, 
 To give delight and fill necessity, 
 
 Then Cadbaits from the sand I get, 
 Or Antflys which the Roach Intirely Love, 
 
 And lay my worms aside, 
 Sometime with Gentles I did bait, 
 
 My Treacherous hook and hide 
 The barb with wings expanded of a fly, 
 When eager Roaches mounted up above, 
 To view the glorys of the sky ; 
 
 With 
 
ftecrcation* 21 
 
 With such like tricks as these one day, 
 One Hundred Forty odd I made my prey, 
 
 One Hook, one Line, one Angle Rod, 
 One Mile was all the ground I trod, 
 
 I scorn deceit, 
 
 And have described the bait; 
 That those who please hereafter for to try, 
 With these same baits may well succeed as I, 
 Yet some there be that talk of Tar and Pitch, 
 And silly Oyles the Fishes to bewitch : 
 They're all unworthy of my love or care. 
 Begon, begon, all nasty drugs, forbear 
 My Muse to sing, but for the Carp a dainty worm 
 
 and red, 
 
 Will Rouse him from the bottom of his flaggy bed, 
 Which when he takes and neatly hung, 
 Your skill requires, your tackle strong, 
 For out he shoots as Arrow from a bow, 
 As far as Line and Rod permits him go : 
 Yet turn him if you can, within the bent of Rod 
 
 to roam, 
 And then a Landing Net will safely bring him 
 
 home. 
 
 Sussex I leave thee, and to Kent repair, 
 Where Ponds are large and waters ever clear, 
 Full flowing streams, and Carps in plenty be, 
 The hopeful Issue to Posterity; 
 
 Three 
 
Qfrmtttl 
 
 Three* Sister Ponds of which I whilome told, 
 Grac'd by most curious walks on dainty mould 
 Perpetual Springs which sweetly bubling rise, 
 Like Niobes distilling pearly eyes ; 
 
 Thenf the square Pond or Fountain rather, 
 A Mermaid always sprouting out the water, 
 Where as it falls the Fishes seem to play, 
 Till time or fate conveys the stream away. 
 Boreplacel a seat of my beloved Friend, 
 Whose Ponds have streams on which a Mill attend, 
 Least overflowing streams the Corn offend, 
 A Fountain too there is well stor'd with fish, 
 And ready always for a friendly dish, 
 If that grow empty then he can Recruit, 
 By fetching from his Houses top sweet fruit; 
 I mean large Carps that in a Pond there be, 
 The product of his Ingenuity. 
 
 Combanck^ another Pond well stor'd 
 And twenty more the County can afford, 
 But I'm a stranger to those fish and them, 
 So leave them to a more propitious Pen, 
 Yet if I Listed, I could Hundreds show, 
 
 Of Ponds have Carps, but muddy grow : 
 
 * Sir Nicolas Crisps, at tiquirres. 
 
 t Tito. Knight, Esq ; t Mr. John Hide, at Sundridg, 
 
 Henry Fane, Esq ; 
 
 Free 
 
(SUnttel HUcrcattion* 23 
 
 Where I good store have often tane, 
 A sweet requital for my time and pain. 
 Observe their season, nick the time aright, 
 
 And baits that most they love to bite. 
 Free from their spawning then they sickly be, 
 And slight all baits, for nothing will agree, 
 Where Law and Nature hates by simpathy. 
 Muse sing the Fishes TEsculapim, and he 
 Thy next of Themes a Soveraign King most 
 
 free, 
 Beloved of all without an enemy; 
 
 None Challenge his Prerogative, 
 
 Nor none he seeks for to enslave, 
 
 But with a kind dispensing power, 
 
 Diffuses virtue every hour. 
 Hail great Physitian of the watry Element. 
 
 Had Nature more propitious been, 
 
 And given thee liberty to vent, 
 Thy virtue unto Fishes in the Rivers be, 
 
 Then thy eternal golden fin, 
 Might Challenge the sole Soveranity, 
 O'er watery Kingdoms and Immortal be, 
 Like those Diviner Fishes which in Heaven are, 
 Choice Constellations of the Beatitude most fair: 
 The mighty Salmon and voratious Pike, 
 Declining grown to thee they seek, 
 And Languishingl) implore, 
 
 D That 
 
24 f) <$mtttl fttcrtatfon* 
 
 That thy Diviner help, decayed Nature would 
 
 restore. 
 
 For well they know an Influence, 
 Flows from thy vertue, their defence 
 Is justly due unto thy care, 
 When lingering Age, or Sickness brings them to 
 
 dispair : 
 But how can Mortals tell, or which way can 
 
 descry, 
 Those Soveraign Balsams in what Cells they lie. 
 
 For to refund, 
 And by a God-like power, 
 Mans vain Immaginations so confound, 
 Past all his search for to discover; 
 Anatomists there are who undertake, 
 To search out Nature and all causes make, 
 From occult qualities and well they may, 
 Like Owls be blind in an uncertain way, 
 Should they dissect thee in great Neptuns 
 
 publick Hall, 
 And read a Lecture to the Fishes all. 
 
 As on a Malefactor, 
 
 Ten Thousand Crabed N aines they'd soon dispose, 
 Yet never can thy Cabbinet disclose, 
 With Glory to succeeding Ages after, 
 Where thy most precious Essence is prepared, 
 Nor in what certain Repository stored: 
 
 But 
 
i&tcrtation* 25 
 
 But there it is where Nature first ordain'd, 
 
 And there it will remain, 
 Physician-like all Patients to attend, 
 
 Till cured, then reap Immortal fame, 
 Who eager then would be for to destroy thy 
 
 breed, 
 
 Injustice sure, yet justly may succeed, 
 When Numerous swarms encrease and multiply, 
 That there's no Room for the Ignoble fry, 
 But with expanded fyn's they sullen dye. 
 Which to prevent, 
 Heaven Angling sent, 
 That by Ingenious strife, 
 Decoying some, we give the rest a longer life, 
 'Tis pity for to part the Carp and he, 
 Since muddy Ponds with both do well agree; 
 One bait doth both delight, 
 A worm that's red and bright, 
 Excells a Thousand trifling things, 
 That bungling Anglers to small purpose brings, 
 
 To scare the Fish away : 
 Both yield sweet pleasure, both delight, 
 Tho both contrary ways do bite, 
 
 And also play, 
 
 Carp's eager gape and draw the flote downright, 
 Then when he's hung he runs with all his might, 
 
 Nor 
 
26 f) <&tntttl i&entatfon* 
 
 Nor water beats he with his tail, 
 
 Till life and strength together fail ; 
 The Tench he only gently sucks the worm, 
 And several ways the floting flote will turn, 
 Until the hook within his Jaws doth lie, 
 Angler forbear, for that once done to th' reeds 
 
 he'll ply, 
 
 Thinking his prey for to secure and speedy dye. 
 One gentle touch he'll beat the water with his tail, 
 Imploring help, no help can then prevail, 
 
 Unless your strand or line give way, 
 And so by eager haste become the Fishes prey. 
 Thus lately by a pleasant Pond* I Angling stood, 
 
 With Carp and Tench indifferently stor'd, 
 My hour was late and little time to stay, 
 Yet took four brace then homeward made my way. 
 Muse now raise thy fancy once again, 
 And sing the Eele and where he doth remain, 
 That yields no pleasure all the Winter long, 
 But keeps in muddy holds most sure and strong, 
 Till Sol's bright rays the waters gently heat, 
 For then he looks abroad and leaves his safe 
 
 retreat. 
 
 Contrary to all Creatures else in stormy weather, 
 He leaves his hold and flys the Lord knows 
 whether ; 
 
 * The Ladv James, at Ightham 
 
 For 
 
&ematiott 27 
 
 For I have seen a Pond without a Flag or Reed,* 
 Or any Bush for shelter, where no Fishes breed. 
 To Man's Imagination, on a Common large, 
 When Jove his thunder first began discharge, 
 With flash'y lightning, mighty Peals did rend, 
 The welkin so, 
 
 That Travellers refused to go, 
 
 Unto their Journeys end: 
 By what preposterous Action or what cause, 
 A sudden trembling to the Earth withdraws, 
 And Eeles in mighty number the surface soon 
 Incumber in that horrid Afternoon ; 
 Angler now tell me if you had been there, 
 What bait you'd use while Fishes lay so fair, 
 All in your eye upon the Waters top, 
 Not daring to descend, 
 
 Having no shelter nor no Friend, 
 
 Their tottering Kingdom to defend, 
 
 From the encroaching fop. 
 Yet now I'll tell how they were ta'ne without a 
 
 bait, 
 
 Clowns they Conspire, Conspiring fetch a Rake, 
 And with that Rustick Tool some hundreds take: 
 
 Some large and over-grown, 
 That long had liv'd yet dy'd too soon, 
 
 * On a Common near Crayden. 
 
 p 2 In 
 
28 m>t <$mtttl Recreation. 
 
 In such preposterous way, 
 I never knew before, and Heaven grant I never 
 
 may. 
 
 I won't relate the several ways they're ta'ne, 
 By bobbing or by Pots, that's vain, 
 But to my Theme of Angling keep, 
 In Rivers or in Ponds that's deep, 
 Nor shall the sundry ways disturb my sleep. 
 Tho by the River many a Night have I 
 Spent in Contemplating Heaven, and the Starry 
 
 Cannopy, 
 
 And with the patience of an Am'rous Maid, 
 For my expected Joy I silent stay'd, 
 Down at the bottom there he constant lies, 
 ? Mong Mud and Flags and Roots of rotten Trees : 
 Or at the sluces where the waters fall, 
 Which stop't, o'erflow the Bancks and Meads, 
 
 and all 
 
 The Neighbouring grounds below, 
 If there he's mist then to the Bridges go. 
 
 And near the posts that prop them up, 
 His usual time is late at Night to sup, 
 On what the stream into his way conveys, 
 For Fishes dead become his constant preys ; 
 The darkest Nights, if those you chuse, 
 And such kind Angler, ne'er refuse, 
 
 With 
 
<*tntttl -itontation* 29 
 
 With Line that's strong, and strong your Rod, 
 You'll hardly miss his dark abode, 
 For Night's his everlasting time, 
 From ten o twelve the only prime. 
 Try first your worm if that wont do, 
 A Pickle Herring soon will bring him too, 
 Or little Fish, in them he'll much delight, 
 And swallow all and hardly ever bite 
 Amiss when hung, ne'er stand to give him play, 
 For much he'll strive your Line for to convey, 
 Among such stubs or roots in Rivers be, 
 Then Angler you are lost by your simplicity, 
 
 Which to prevent and so prevail, 
 Rear up his head and Pendant be his Tail, 
 
 Else he like Boys within a hoop, 
 In Thousand Gambol's will directly shoot, 
 Spite of your Teeth he'll brake your strand or line, 
 And rend his throat in pieces at that time. 
 So slipery he'll glide between your hands and be, 
 Like Gigas ring, Invisible and free; 
 But rowl him on the sand his strength is gone, 
 And justly then you call him may your own. 
 
 More ways I yet could show, 
 How Eeles are taken which full well I know, 
 But I'll forbear, and only now relate, 
 How they are taken without a line or bait; 
 
 No 
 
30 f)t <E*mtttl ISUcreatiott* 
 
 No Eele-Pots, nor no Nets, but Shovel and an Awl 
 Creating Pleasure, if Pleasures be at all. 
 Angler forbear to smile 
 At what I now relate, 
 Have Patience yet a while, 
 And I'll declare it streight. 
 At Orpington some bubbling spouts there rise, 
 No biger then the Pearls fall from our eyes, 
 (When some dear Friend is lately dead and gone, 
 At whose lamented obsequies we mourn) 
 While Multiplying more, in little way 
 They make a stream, that glides into the Sea. 
 So shallow every stone is plainly told, 
 Pactolus with her Glitring streams of Gold, 
 Can't shew such treasure, and what's more, 
 Ther's Trout s and Eeles a mighty store. 
 But to the purpose, how these Eeles are ta'ne, 
 
 Requires some time as well as pain. 
 Thro' St. Mary Clay, the stream gently glides, 
 And runs by Foots-Cray and to North-Cray* 
 besides ; 
 
 Where the sport begins, 
 When Heaven's so dark that nothing shines, 
 But its black Carmopy extending fair, 
 Throws an Eternal sable thro' the Air : 
 
 * Major BugingSf at North-Cray. 
 
 Then 
 
JflUcreation* 31 
 
 Then from their watery Burroughs Eelcs resort, 
 And leave the safety of the Liquid Court. 
 Like Lovers, in the dark they are most kind, 
 And sweetly meet, new blisses by Injoying find. 
 A Rastick with a Flambeau in his hand, 
 Goes like a Page of Honour thro' the Strand, 
 When Madam she's retiring from the Play to 
 
 Court, 
 
 Cloy'd with vain repetitions and an Idle sport. 
 Vain is that pleasure yields us no delight, 
 But dulls our over-clouded Appetite. 
 Resume thy theme, the Flambeau glistering 
 
 bright, 
 
 The wandering JEeles are dazel'd at the light, 
 And, like to Boys admiring, grow 
 Bold at a Lord Mayors Pageant show: 
 They nearer draw, and still the glittering fire; 
 As he walks up and down, applaud admire, 
 He warily knows how to pick and chuse, 
 And neatly can his skillful shovel use; 
 For when the larger sort comes in his way, 
 Down goes the shovel, and he's forc'd to stay 
 Till with the Awl they him to Land convey. 
 Now see sweet Maro, of the Pearch I sing, 
 And Dedicate to thee, who art the Muses King, 
 My solemn Theme; 
 
 Assist 
 
32 
 
 Assist me then, 
 
 Recorder of the Acts of Gods of Men. 
 Lest that my trembling Pen in vain essay, 
 Ignis Fatuus-Yike, lost in uncertain way. 
 Had I thy Genius, then my quill should raise, 
 Immortal Glory to thy Name with praise. 
 While thou, blest Hero, to the Gods conjoyn'd, 
 And, by eternal Love, to Man Combin'd, 
 Shews us the Paths of virtue how to tread, 
 And Magnify the Glory of the Dead. 
 For thou alone 
 Hast further gone, 
 In thine Immortal lays, 
 Then all the scribling Poets in our last declining 
 
 days, 
 
 Choice is my Theme, 
 The Vice Roy of the stream, 
 That now I mean declare, 
 And his abiding place, 
 No Lofty Turrets do his Palace grace, 
 Yet he delights in Silver streams most fair. 
 A gentle current and a sandy ground, 
 With curious Pebles that abound, 
 
 Are his Eternal way. 
 For o'er the stream he ranges still, 
 And, Glutton-like, his stomach seeks to fill; 
 Then to a bush convey 
 
 His 
 
33 
 
 His Porcupine and bristly back, 
 
 That with an Eager fierce attack, 
 
 Whole sholes are forced to give him way. 
 
 Sometimes in holes most deep, 
 Lake winking Cat, he'll seem asleep, 
 Till some bold Minnow, or the smaller fry, 
 Insult about him, then he'll quickly ply 
 Against a Million all he will withstand, 
 Till some poor Captive stays his furious hand, 
 
 Remorseless, he ne'er fears, nor prays, 
 But all he conquers, he as sudden slays; 
 His Passion's hot, and seldom cool, 
 Till taken with a Gin by some laborious fool : 
 Yet, like a Turk, in all extreams looks high, 
 Shakes his sharp Javelin, Blasphemes his God 
 
 and dyes. 
 
 In Suffolk* there I know a stream, 
 Where it begins 1 Ignorant am, 
 But stor'd it is with spacious fry, 
 Of different sorts : what there I've ta'ne, 
 Of those I'll sing, and let the rest remain 
 Till some more Curious, with more skill then I, 
 Their mighty numbers fairly can descry, 
 And from what Fountain first, 
 The fruitful waters burst, 
 
 * Hijlxtm, and Stratford, by Denham. 
 
 That 
 
34 
 
 That daily pay a tribute to the Sea, 
 Are Theams too high, and so unknown to me. 
 But there kind Fortune once to me was kind, 
 That, for one year, I nothing had to mind, 
 
 But pleasure by that River side, 
 Where still, with all my Heart, I willingly could 
 
 abide : 
 
 Such store it \ields as I before ne'er knew, 
 And daily did my Lov'd delights renew. 
 For Angling from a Child I still do prise, 
 The best of pleasures, for the grave and wise. 
 Oh! Who can tell the store of Pikes are there? 
 Twelve, Sixteen Pound of Fish, repays the 
 
 Anglers care, 
 If but one hour or two he well can spare ; 
 
 And all the bait he needeth for't, 
 Is but a Gudgeon, of the largest sort, 
 Or else a Roach, fixt to the Trouling Line, 
 With observation of his feeding time. 
 I have admir'd to see, tho hooks were double, 
 The Trouler please himself with needless Trouble, 
 A mighty Pole, Line like a Cable Rope 
 
 For strength, yet loose his prize and hope ; 
 They were no Artists, little skill they had, 
 Saving to Curse and Swear, like Bedlams, mad 
 When astout Pike from their rude hands made way, 
 And joyful glides along the stream to play; 
 
 The 
 
(ffitntttl ^Ucreattott* 35 
 
 The Proverb is forgot, no Anglers ought to swear, 
 The least of Oaths the Fishes soon will scare, 
 And Imprecations too make them the bait forbear, 
 But I forget my Theam, my Angling forthePearcA, 
 And slight the Gudgeon, Chub, the Bream and 
 
 Roach: 
 
 Supply s the stream with new recruits each hour; 
 For there's such plenty, Heavens Eternal Power, 
 For every Evening all the Summer long, 
 I don't remember I went empty home, 
 And still spent but few hours at a time, 
 From Three, till Six, I found the only prime, 
 For iii that Summer, a Thousand Pearch, and 
 
 more; 
 I had destroy'd, and might as many more ; 
 
 All with a Hook and Line, 
 I us'd no Poaching way, 
 .Nor any thing that was unjust the Fishes to 
 
 decoy; 
 
 Besides good store of Roach, and some of Bream, 
 And other Fish inhabit in the stream, 
 
 But still the Pearch was best, 
 And always him I sought most to molest. 
 When Rustick People they have any time, 
 
 To Fishing streight they go, 
 And hardly either Sup or Dine, 
 
 Without a brace or two. 
 
 E But 
 
36 f)e d&mtttl 
 
 But to observe these Rusticks Tools, 
 The World might well pronounce them Fools , 
 Nay Fools in Grain, but still such luck most have, 
 As Fortune sends to those are Mad or Brave. 
 For with a Hook ty'd to a Pack-thread Line, 
 They'll take you, some times, twenty at a time ; 
 Their Rod, a Goad, or some such foolish thing, 
 A fit Companion for their home spun string, 
 Their bait, a worm that's large, in sunder Torn, 
 For little things these kind wise Acres Scorn, 
 They'd never Angle in the middle of the stream, 
 But near the Banck, 'mong bushes most extream, 
 And if the bushes hung them in their play, 
 Their Line was strong to bring them still away, 
 I oft have been Amaz'd to see 
 The very Boys grow wise, 
 At their Old Fathers great simplicity. 
 
 One evening, Sol declining grown, 
 My tools packt up, and I returning home, 
 J chanc'd in shallow water spy 
 A Lusty well grown Jack to lye, 
 
 So steady that you'd think 
 Him Dead to flote so near the brink ; 
 1 view'd him long, and wondred much to see 
 He'd make no motion, at my shade, nor me; 
 And, by ill Fortune, at that time 
 I had no Troul nor Trouling Line ; 
 
 He 
 
<*trttttl Recreation. 37 
 
 He lay too far for me to snare, 
 And I had none but Lines were made of hair, 
 
 Yet was resolv'd to have some sport, 
 With that stout Tyrant of the Liquid Court; 
 A Roach alive I fixt, to bear 
 Upon a Line, and drew it near, 
 
 His mighty and expanded Jaws, 
 Like Hells wide mouth, immediately disclose 
 Whole rows of Teeth, as Cadmus earth born 
 Sons 
 
 Each other view, 
 Then furious slew, 
 
 As from the ground they sprung by turns. 
 Lord how I wondred, when the Roach went in 
 That yawning Gulph, and could no further swim : 
 That dark Abbiss 
 His last recess 
 
 Was the Eternal end of him. 
 Fain would I more have seen and known, 
 For observation seldom comes too soon ; 
 But he, Tyrant-like, shew'd me the Tyrants play, 
 Turn'd his large head, and with the stream slid 
 
 quite a way. 
 
 Angler don't think I Equivocate or lie, 
 The truth I hear declare and the whole mistery, 
 For with a Worm, or else a Minnow small, 
 Those Fifteen Hundred Pearch I took them all. 
 
 Cloy'd 
 
38 i&bt <&tnttt\ i&ecrcatfon* 
 
 Cloy'd with my pleasure, still my cares renew, 
 And Angling, all my Joys, I daily still pursue 
 Till Winter came, and Boreu's stubborn wind, 
 With flakes of Snow and Ice, the earth and 
 
 water joyn'd, 
 Like Twins, that from one womb tho both 
 
 proceed, 
 
 Have different virtues at their different need. 
 For when the River's froze as hard as stone, 
 And all the Fishes, there Imprison'd, mourn ; 
 
 Another game 1 us'd to find, 
 Where Duck and Mallard multiply'd their kind 
 And since my sport of Angling was debar'd, 
 Something I'd have, or else I thought it hard; 
 
 One Element just turn'd to stone, 
 If that the other could afford me none : 
 
 Three tedious Months of Winter weather, 
 All sorts of Wild Fowl Heaven sent me thither, 
 I ne'er Examined whence they came, nor going 
 
 whether ; 
 For if in sixty yards, or little more, 
 
 Whether in the Air, or on the shore, 
 I little car'd, all one it was to me, 
 If with advantage then I could deliver free* 
 Some scores of Wild Fowl there I fairly shot, 
 Some for the Spit, and some were for the 
 Pot; 
 
 Of 
 
<&tntttl fttcreaction* 39 
 
 Of some I presents made unto my Friends, 
 No Nigards mind, nor Misers wish on me 
 
 Attends. 
 Angler had you been there you'd far'd as well 
 
 as I, 
 
 For Heavens bounty, Heaven be prais'd Eternally, 
 Now the Eager and voracious Chub rehearse, 
 That mounts the water, sees the universe, 
 
 Then to the bottom nimbly scuds. 
 And hides his daring head beneath the flouds, 
 Till some new object makes him rise, 
 A Hopper or some larger fly's, 
 Then nimbly down he'll dive, and with his prey, 
 Obscure himself from Sol's most Glorious ray, 
 
 Under a shady Oak, 
 
 His motions common look, 
 
 For there he'll rise and fall, 
 As often as convenient Beauties call ; 
 If shadows do approach him, then he's shy, 
 And shuns the Alterations of the sky, 
 But when Serene and Calm, in Rivers large, 
 He joyfully exerts his force, and charge 
 Battalions of the Buzzing Excrements, 
 On whom his spiteful Choler daily vents 
 A fresh revenge ; 
 
 Till with a cunning hand, and baited hook, 
 His pride strikes Sail, as being soon mistook, 
 E2 So 
 
40 $t <$mtttl iUcrtattcm* 
 
 So greedy Wolves who after Midnight range, 
 Fail in a Pit-fall arid their lives exchange. 
 Vain Pride by accidental chances come 
 Unto a Period, and the everlasting Sun 
 Climbs higher still, till Climbing throws him 
 
 down, 
 
 And in a Sable Vails the Immortal Crown 
 Of Light, 
 
 But to my Theme, 
 The Chubs are then 
 Eternal Gormandizers; 
 A Gentle or a Worm, sometimes he'll take. 
 And seldom e'er refuse the bait, 
 Of verdant singing Hoppers, 
 And other things ; but from his sight stand 
 
 clear, 
 
 For sure he sees, and Fishes well can hear, 
 For sight, or noise, 
 Are no decoys, 
 In Chrystial streams, 
 The very stirring of a bush, 
 Makes all your Art riot worth a rush, 
 
 And so deludes your pains: 
 Which to prevent, act by judicious care, 
 Observe the wind, and how you best may bear 
 The floating fly, 
 In places nigh 
 
 His 
 
<&mtttl Demotion* 41 
 
 His haunts, for shady shelters his delight, 
 
 And near the ground sometimes he'll freely bite, 
 
 A Cadlce then, or Worm that's red, 
 Like the voluptious, brings him to a dying bed: 
 Excess is hurtful none admire, 
 Those Damps extinguish natural fire 
 Who covet all, but little can Enjoy, 
 And much, to some's, esteem'd the meanest 
 
 toy. 
 
 Alexander conquered all, yet sighing weep't. 
 Saladines victories ended in a shirt. 
 Angler, strong Tackling have, for he is strong, 
 [f only for the Chub your Madam 9 s long, 
 Be careful, never trust the single hair, 
 For that's deceitful, and frustrates your care. 
 I Angling* lately, for the smaller fry, 
 Two hairs my hook did only tie, 
 And those two hairs, two score had ta'n, 
 Till one stout Chub deludes my pain ; 
 I Angled not for him, yet him I did provoke, 
 He sudden rose and with a Cruel stroke, 
 
 The easy hair gave way, 
 While he Triumphs, as Conquerer that day; 
 It was so sudden, that I scarcely knew, 
 Whether he rose or from the Clouds he flew, 
 
 * At Heaver Castel, in the Medow. 
 
 Like 
 
Like Perseus on his winged Mare, 
 To bring relief, or Combat in the Air, 
 That Monster of the great Eternal Seas, 
 Who Andromeda ready was to seize. 
 But once by chance in water clear, 
 The Brook was narrow, and I near, 
 Close by the Banck a Chub I ey'd, 
 And wonder how I came so near unspy'd, 
 His Argus eyes, or that he sleeping lay, 
 To let me silent in his way convey 
 
 My bait, which quickly there he spies, 
 And like a Treasure, all his own he crys, 
 Voracious Natures seldom ever can, 
 Revoke the principles at first began 
 Instilling Craft, but yet the crafty falls 
 JLike Coblers using Swords instead of Awls. 
 
 For by a Touch I hook'd him, then 
 Blaspheming dyes, like to dispairing Men. 
 
 Now comes the Roach, against the stream 
 
 he'll swim, 
 
 And beat the waters with his ruby fin, 
 Him you may know, if River's ne'er so deep, 
 For, when he bites, the flote will downwards creep, 
 Perpendicular to the deep Abyss, 
 If well he's hung, you'll hardly ever miss ; 
 If Large, a little play requires your skill, 
 And always keep his head above the water still, 
 
 Till 
 
43 
 
 Till strength is spent, then bring him to the 
 
 shore. 
 
 And always Angle midle deep or more, 
 For he's not nice, a Gentle, Cadice, or a Worm, 
 Or, on the top, a fly will serve his turn, 
 Aniflys are best, for these he'll eager chace, 
 Besides they be a Soveraign bait for Dace; 
 Our stream affords us none, but I know where 
 They do abound, and have been Angling there, 
 At Satbleford,* not far from Holy Dee, 
 A stream abounds, and that most Infinitely, 
 Dace are choice, few other Fish are there, 
 Except some Trouts, but they're not large nor fair, 
 Not like unto our Kentish Trouts, these I express 
 Are only good and fat unto excess. 
 In Dalamore's,^ a silent Meer, 
 Good store of Bream increases there ; 
 Broad sides and little mouths, do ill agree, 
 Tho he's in biting commonly free. 
 Oh! Should you see a large one, how he'll play, 
 And with his Tail, beat all the waves away, 
 Scorning so small a hook, and little line, 
 Should Anticlate him in his flowing prime. 
 Angler, if you go there, have Tackling strong, 
 No Hook, nor Line, you must rely upon. 
 
 * In Cheshire. t Valamore Forest, in Cheshire. 
 
 When 
 
44 &fje ofantl ftemation* 
 
 When near the shore, but with a Net him 
 
 lift, 
 
 Else his large sides will put him soon a drift 
 Muse sing jet and tell the Roach, 
 What other bait he will approach, 
 And let the Bream and Dace alone, 
 Since our sweet stream affords us none. 
 Among the Flags, if any little place is clear, 
 Or gloomy shades, I common find them there ; 
 Sometimes they're shy, 
 Scarce one will die, 
 No Worm nor Gentle can them please, 
 No Paste or Cadice then agrees; 
 
 Yet they'll come near, and smell, 
 Then turn their Tails, and bid them all farewell. 
 What shall I do, no sport I'm like to have, 
 But drudge all day, yet Fortune helps the brave. 
 
 Soon from the River then withdraw, 
 Unto some Farm, and turn the rotten straw. 
 For Worms, a Ruby head and body white, 
 Are certain signs the Roach at them will bite, 
 Get but a few, you need no more to fear, 
 But you'll have sport if any Roach are there, 
 I seldom find them at this bait precise; 
 And some I've ta'en with other Fishes eyes. 
 One time my baits were speni, 
 I thoughtfull was for more, 
 
 When 
 
45 
 
 When Fortune favoured my Intent, 
 
 And soon supply'd my store; 
 A sudden fancy in my Nodle came, 
 
 Which I resolved then to try, 
 Do you but make experience of the same, 
 
 You may succeed as well as 1, 
 The Glaring Oculus, great JLoves misterious bait, 
 That leads the World in errour, Topsy turns a 
 
 state, 
 
 Which Monarch's more adore, and brighter shines, 
 Then all the Glittering stones adorn their 
 
 Diadems : 
 
 This was my fancy, and I well may say, 
 Eyes were my Guide the Fishes to betray, 
 For some I took, Jove pardon my Intent, 
 To make the blind decoy the Innocent; 
 Wonder no more, 'tis certain true and just, 
 Necessity begot Invention first. 
 
 Next sing the Gudgeon, where he most abides, 
 The bait he loves, and where he usually resides ; 
 A stream that's clear, and current pretty strong, 
 With Sand, or Gravel, will detain him long. 
 Close at the bottom, there he grabling lies, 
 And never looks at Heaven, nor sees the Skys, 
 Till by a Brad ling, on the Sun he glares, 
 And ends his life without protesting cares; 
 
 No 
 
46 C!K dUntert i&ecreatfon* 
 
 No Scriviner makes his will, 'tis known to all 
 That commonly the weakest goes to th' wall. 
 Directly 'gainst the stream he bears his head, 
 Stones are his Pillow, Sand his Down'y Bed; 
 And Company he loves, for seldom he's alone: 
 Paternal cares belong to every one. 
 
 Angler, if you his haunts would know, 
 Observe the stream, and how the Currents go, 
 In gentle numbers, or most rapid flow, 
 The gentle still belongs unto your care, 
 For there they'll swarm, and recompence you 
 
 fair, 
 
 If but one Inch, or rather on the ground, 
 Your Bradlmg tail, as you the water sound; 
 For he'll ne'er rise, try all the Art you can, 
 To take a bait that's from the ground a span. 
 A Bradling, that his chiefest Love, 
 A Gentle, sometimes will him move. 
 So will the Straw-worm, from his house drawn 
 
 clear, 
 
 Shew you the pleasure that in Rivers are. 
 A pliant Rod, 
 No sturdy Goad, 
 That Rustick People use, 
 Gives more delight, 
 When Gudgeons bite, 
 Then all their vain Ostentious shews. 
 
 A 
 
dftmtttl i&ccrtatton* 47 
 
 A Hook that's fine, 
 And Taper Line, 
 
 Two or three hairs below, 
 May well suffice, 
 Unto the wise, 
 
 When they to Angling go. 
 No mighty skill for them you need expend, 
 If baits be good on those they will attend ; 
 Increase your sport, and by a fresh desire, 
 Invite you further on, and then aspire 
 To be compleat ; who so for Gudgeons Angle, 
 Do oftentimes the best of Fish intangle, 
 Both Chub and Roach, the Pearch and slimy 
 
 Eele 
 
 Insensible, unto a worm will steal, 
 And raise your Expectation to a higher pitch 
 Then floating fry, the vulgar so bewitch. 
 But let your baits be always pure and sweet, 
 And all your Tackling of the best compleat, 
 Else falls the Proverb to your luck, and then, 
 Of mighty Artists, prove but simple Men. 
 
 Muse keep thy Theme, and sing what other 
 
 Fish 
 
 Compleats an Angler to his Roving wish ; 
 And tell those sorts that in our streams there be, 
 For to repay our cost and pains with usury. 
 F In 
 
48 Hfyt <&mtttl Jfocreatiom 
 
 In weather hot, whole sholes are found, 
 That leave the bottom, and the top surround, 
 Of silver Bleaks, whose verdant backs 
 Like Emeralds shine, or finer knacks; 
 Bleaks of a larger size then those the Thames, 
 
 Can boast in all her Royal streams: 
 Quite different in taste, the shape is one, 
 Luxurious far beyond the Gudgeon, 
 That River Smelts, do with these Bleaks oppose, 
 Let sense direct you which of them to chose. 
 A little hook, one single hair and fly, 
 Are best on top, where Bleaks all open lie, 
 Drive with the stream, 
 And shaded be from them. 
 
 Else soon they'll scud and hide themselves away, 
 And tedious make the pleasures of the day. 
 Which to prevent, obsconded be, and then 
 You ne'er can fail to take enough of them. 
 The prey is small, 
 But that's not all 
 An Angler should respect; 
 His ways sublime 
 Exceeding time, 
 Much further can direct. 
 
 Bleaks greedy are, 
 And to the flys declare 
 A hatred ends in mortal strife, 
 
 Which 
 
<&mttt\ ISUcreatton* 49 
 
 Which Belzebub their God resents, 
 And thus exclaiming, soon his passion vents 
 
 Unto his Hell beloved Wife. 
 ' My Kingdom will depopulated be, 
 
 * My subjects sent abroad, return no more to me, 
 ' Some newer state I thought might them 
 
 oppose, 
 
 * Which they resisting came to handy blows, 
 ' Fortune of Wars on Souldier often fall, 
 
 * And Honoured Criples are commanders all ; 
 ' But in my Regiments there's none I see, 
 
 ' That wants a Leg or Arm, but all are free, 
 ' Free in their Limbs in Action stout, 
 ' But few return when they inarch out, 
 
 * Some Ambush sure wherein they fall and die ; 
 
 * For Cannibals ne'er breakfast on a fly.' 
 
 Thus he 
 
 But when Intelligence was brought, 
 Of numerous squadrons lately gone from Court, 
 And none return'd, except some foraign shore 
 Gave harbour, they're exiFd for ever more, 
 Wonder of Wonders, where the Buzzing Tribe 
 Should still abscond prepetually, and hide 
 Their Airy Wings, or should Boreus he 
 Imploy them on Plantations to a mistery, 
 None knows, but streight a Counsel urgent call, 
 And give rewards to those declare it shall, 
 
 And 
 
50 1&$t <&tnttt\ JSUcmtionu 
 
 And pardon too if they accomplice are, 
 Against the winged Buzzers of the Air. 
 This an old Hornet heard, who in a hollow tree 
 Rested secure, and so perserv'd his JLiberty, 
 Just on the Rivers banck, for there he cou'd 
 
 descry 
 
 Who 'twas prevailed, and who destroy'd the ram- 
 bling flv. 
 
 Profound obeysance to the winged God once made, 
 And Prostrate at his foot-stool, sighing said ; 
 ' Dread Liege, no hopes of Honours, no reward 
 
 I crave, 
 
 * By Duty bound, as your most humble slave, 
 ' I here with sorrow can this loss declare, 
 ' That makes your vast dominions now so bare, 
 ' .Last Night the offspring of my Aged years, 
 ' Would bath in streams, expelling future cares, 
 6 And in the Liquid Element, would play, 
 ' To ease the burden of the Insuing day : 
 ' Dubious what chance my Heirs might soon 
 
 betide, 
 
 ' Upon a bough I pearch't, and there espy'd, 
 ' How in the waters, like Icarus in the Air, 
 ' They had forgot the Precept of a Parent dear, 
 ( They stretch their Wings, and spoon afore the 
 
 wind, 
 My Eldest first, and so the rest behind, 
 
 Try 
 
(frtntwl &atfonu 51 
 
 'Try all the pleasures of the Silver stream, 
 ' With Sails Expanded, danger Car from them 
 ' In all appearance, while they joyful play, 
 < And silent hours decoy the time away. 
 ' Puft with conceit, they'd see the Nymphs below, 
 ' And how the Gods keep't Court in Caves, and so 
 ' Down to the bottom nimbly dive, and then 
 ' Rise and disport themselves with Joys again: 
 ' While in my tender Breast paternal fears arose, 
 'That sudden Joys have direful ends, which to 
 
 oppose 
 
 ' 1 loudly call, and bid bold Hornet stay, 
 'While he forgetful, with the stream kept way, 
 
 * And quickly sports his precious life away. 
 
 ' Two streams there be, from several parts that 
 
 come, 
 
 'Then with united forces joyn in one; 
 ' Under a broad and spreading Tree, 
 'Tree alas, and here begins my misery, 
 'For like some Pirate in a hollow clif, 
 
 * That waits the careless Merchant when a drift, 
 ' And with full Sails makes to the longed shore, 
 'There to unlade, or else to freight him more; 
 
 * Steps boldly forth, and with a fierce surprise 
 ' Makes the full Vessel then his lawless prize, 
 ' So unobserved, by the shady tree 
 
 ' Some Chubs expecting lay, a prize to see, 
 
 F3 'While 
 
52 Cfie (Stentttl alteration* 
 
 ' While my bold Boys, not dreading danger nigh, 
 ' Fall in a Gulph, and there expiring die. 
 When this he'd said, his Aged hair he tore, 
 Excessive sorrow stopt his speach for more. 
 While Belzebub, new comforts to infuse, 
 Strives to expel his grief, and clearly shews 
 His thoughts are free, and solemn doth profess 
 The watry Element destroys his happiness. 
 When to remoter climes, the aspiring flys 
 In Numbers swarm, and there surprised dies. 
 Which to prevent, the Counsel all agree, 
 To supplicate great Ncptun's Majesty, 
 And by address the Sea-green God implore, 
 To issue orders to his subjects, o'er 
 The Liquid Element, no more for to surprise, 
 When travelling, spontanious buzzing flys. 
 This then resolv'd, the Court a Courier sent, 
 With Lady Birds, the Queen of Hells present, 
 That Neptune may, if so his God-head please, 
 Starve all his Fish, and please himself with these. 
 Such presents from the God of flys was rare, 
 Each fanning Courtier sought one for his share. 
 When one bold Bleak, more sturdy then the 
 
 rest, 
 
 Demanding Audience, thus himself cxprest. 
 Hail mighty Neptune, by thy trident 1 
 4 Dare swear, tho Jove himself were by, 
 
 4 That 
 
<3*enttt! i&ecmtiotu 53 
 
 * That these fine Lady Birds, enchanting eyes, 
 ' The bane of subjects are but meer decoys, 
 
 * And to that purpose sent, while we, 
 
 < For gaudy outsides, are condemn'd to be 
 ' Eternal poor, and slaves to misery ; 
 'Our Charters broke, and for a Female smile, 
 ' Ex pel I'd the Limits of our Bounteous Isle; 
 ' This Law, 'gainst reason, Mighty King revoke, 
 ' And add no more oppressions to our Yoke 
 ' Which heavy is already, so that we 
 ' Expire at once debar'd of Liberty. 
 ' Beside, Intruding buzzers, that invade 
 ' Your Liquid Kingdom, makes us still afraid 
 ' They are but spies, and seek to undermine, 
 * Like Faux, your whole Perogative and Line. 
 This said, an universial shout attends 
 The joynt applause of faithful loving friends, 
 While Lady Birds, and Courier home were sent, 
 And Fishes still Injoy their own content. 
 Angler if you besides thejfty, 
 Would other ways or notions try, 
 Then use a Gentle, when they do abscond 
 
 About six foot or more from Land; 
 Or near the middle, nigh the shore is none 
 The Sun they Love, and Angle most 'bout noon. 
 For I've observ'd, when that begins decline, 
 Your Angling then is only loss of time. 
 
 Besides 
 
54 CDe <&mtttl 
 
 Besides the Gentle and the Fly, 
 The Roaches bait I'd wish you try, 
 And let experience tell you then, 
 Vain Glory ne'er becomes a Fisher-man. 
 How often on a lofty bridge I've stood, 
 
 Whose Arches stop't the raging floud. 
 When Sun was hot, the water most serene, 
 And all the fry therein most plainly seen, 
 While I, absconded by that Lofty bight, 
 Exceeding pleasure reap't, and pure delight: 
 For while my Flys, drove gently with the stream, 
 The mounting Bleaks would still admire at 
 
 them, 
 
 Then with a sudden spring, new Joys to try, 
 They fall a victime, and lamenting die. 
 Sing next the trouble of the Angling Hod, 
 The little Menoiv, and his blind abode, 
 That enemy to Angling, when he bites 
 Destroys our baits, and robs of our cheif delights, 
 How to avoid him well we can not tell, 
 In every place in ev'ry hole he'll dwell. 
 Confounded Caitif, who can him avoid 
 If near the ground, except a Load 
 Of worms adorn your hook, yet then 
 He'll nible and do all that e'er he can 
 To raise your Passion, yet you must not swear, 
 For frighting other Fishes that are near. 
 
 All 
 
55 
 
 All baits lie loves, and nothing will deny 
 
 His Appetite, except it be the Fly, 
 
 And that must on the water swim, if low, 
 
 Tis certain gone as other baits I know. 
 
 So little currs a Mastiff will engage, 
 
 And, by eternal bauling, make him rage, 
 
 Who quiet was before, and that until 
 
 Great Madam Spot, thought 'twas exceeding well 
 
 Her dainty dandlelap, such courage had, 
 
 To dare a Mastiff till he's mad. 
 These Menows dare, and often daring die, 
 Ignoble Sots deserve no obsequie, 
 Nor Pity, when most willfully they fall. 
 Ambitiously aspiring unto all. 
 
 For I have known when Menows had, 
 By often sacking, made them glad, 
 And left the hook near bare, 
 Without all further care ; 
 By one small jerk the hook has been 
 Fixt in their .Bellies, or their fin, 
 Too late then they, like Drunken Fools, design 
 A quick reform from the entoxicating Vine. 
 While the silent wound, 
 To the heart has found 
 A new Invented way, 
 Transporting Joys, 
 The only Toys, 
 
 Of 
 
56 
 
 Of Lifes uncertain stay. 
 Angler, bestow some pains, direct my Pen 
 How to avoid these Plagues which then 
 Requires our cheifest skill and all our care, 
 To make our Recreation supream fair. 
 I'm at a loss, 
 And do profess, 
 
 The more I think, the further off am I, 
 How to avoid the inconvenience of these fry ; 
 Unless I should confine my self to holes are deep, 
 Or where the hoist'rous stream doth sweep 
 The ground with raging force, for there 
 They seldom be, and leave our Angling fair; 
 But 1 to no such task can be confin'd 
 While always plodding by the stream, I mind 
 Their several Meanders, and the ways 
 To use my various baits, in various Plays. 
 Sometimes I'm tir'd, and leave my Angle for my 
 
 Troul, 
 
 With that I strive some other Fishes to Cajole 
 Or make my Enemy to serve my turn, 
 When at a turning stream the Perches come, 
 And there Insulting lye for Menow or else Worm ; 
 Either will serve if you observe the Rules, 
 No edged Weapons Jits the hand of Fools, 
 But silent wait, and with expecting care, 
 A Menow soon decoys the best are there, 
 
 Himself 
 
Cfie OStenttel . &ccreatum* 57 
 
 Himself is good for nought, but by Judicious 
 
 strife, 
 Gives greater pleasure to the Patient Anglers 
 
 Life. 
 
 Life free from cares, and those Tumultuous Toys 
 That sorrow brings, the bane of Mortal Joys ; 
 Eternal enemy to rest and sweet repose ; 
 The Angler may by studious thoughts oppose. 
 Refreshment from the Medows sweet, 
 The Silver streams afford him meat. 
 What greater Treasure to a friend who'd bring, 
 Then those which from our labour daily spring, 
 Labour in vain, the Ingenious do not prize, 
 Pleasure, that profit brings, becomes the wise. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
A 
 
 DIALOGUE 
 
 BETWEEN 
 
 Piscator and Corydon. 
 
 IF Man immortal be, whose reason's most Divine, 
 'Tis you mustneeds Excel, by using well your time. 
 No sooner can the Glorious Sun retire 
 From Thetis lap, and with his Beams inspire, 
 New vigour to the long expecting World, 
 When sable ft ight hath all his Clouds close furl'd, 
 But you to view Aurora's blushing Face, 
 In dutious manner o'er the Medows trace, 
 And with your dngling Rod, or Trouling Pole, 
 Search all the streams, and there the Fish Cajole. 
 
 'Tis you that see the Glorys of the Sun, 
 How he begins his course, and seting down, 
 How in the Sea he waters his swift steeds, 
 And cools their fiery mouths in Seagreen beds, 
 
 G Refreshments, 
 
60 A Dialogue between 
 
 Refreshments, Gods and Men, when tired, love 
 And in Recesses there sweetly improve, 
 While Love with his expanded Charms provokes 
 The Amorous Doves, whom Venus kindly Yokes, 
 And with most Celebrated speed then flys, 
 To Paphos to the Morning Sacrifice. 
 
 No sooner can Auroras golden face disclose, 
 And Living Clocks tell Night's gone to repose, 
 But I my Sheep and Lambs most careful view, 
 And from full udders then extract the dew, 
 Due to great Pan, and of my kine take care, 
 The joyful Issue of their Mothers fair; 
 But what Redounds from y our Elaborat care and skill, 
 Declare, for I expect it, with Impatience still. 
 
 I view the Meads, and see how Flora's Love 
 Not given in vain, and Mortal's still Improve 
 By spacious Landskips, to our nicer eyes, 
 The true Contentments slugards seldom prize, 
 Who spends three parts of Lingering life in sleep, 
 Then rise to dine and sup, again to creep 
 Between the sheets, with drowsie dreams there ly, 
 Like Morpheus in his latest Agony. 
 
 But yet declare the pleasure that you reap, 
 Among the streams are swift, and wide, and deep, 
 For I've observ'd, that there you're most an end. 
 Piscator, pray now tell unto thy friend, 
 
 Thy long experience, I'll with Joy attend, 
 
 f j to r 
 
Piscator and Corydon. 61 
 
 From your Diviner Counsel all you know, 
 Be speedy, while we trace this Medow throw, 
 For at the Old Boundary, there we part, 
 I to my Kine, and you unto your Art. 
 
 Cory don, if for this time, your time you can enlarge 
 The mornings fair, and let your Hind take charge 
 For once, of your fat Herd, the Rivers nigh, 
 Where I'll demonstrate the pleasure I Injoy. 
 By occular inspection you shall see, 
 If Angling be n't a part of Heaven's Divinity. 
 While we with patience here, and with pure minds, 
 Reap the contentment Heaven to Man Injoy ns. 
 Observe the streams and see them silent go, "J 
 
 How on the bancks a thousand beauties grow, \ 
 The wise Creator did, in mighty Love bestow j 
 On Man, and, by a Providential care, 
 Stock' d all the waters with the Fish are there, 
 Who multiply, and therein largely breed, 
 To give us Joy, and serve us at our need. 
 Tho 'tis confest your stock and care extends 
 The Limits, unto which my study bends. 
 
 dtorgiron. 
 
 Great is my care, and great my Labours be, 
 Confin'd to be a drudge eternally; 
 Yet use and daily labour brings me gain. 
 When Udders overflow with Milk amain, 
 Free from contentions and domestick strife, 
 The Eternal jar ings of a Crabtree life. 
 
 See 
 
62 A Dialogue between 
 
 See yoncT stout Mullock with his neck new worn, 
 Whose fellows plow the ground for plentious Corn, 
 Which Ceres, as a mighty blessing, sends, 
 She hath my Love; to Pan my offering heads, 
 Father of Shepherds, we thy Rusticks are 
 As well as Flocks, thy everlasting care; 
 In rural numbers we thy praise rehearse, 
 And pay our Obligations in Immortal verse; 
 No fluent strains but such as Nature gave, 
 Plain as our Souls, but always just and brave. 
 When Amarillis, PhilUs, Claris joyn 
 And make consorting Harmony Divine. 
 
 No knowledge in the Husbandmans affairs, 
 Belong unto my Art, nor all his Teeming cares 
 Know I, nor please my self to see the Oxen Plow, 
 And labouring thro' the new made furrows go. 
 The painful Harrow gives me no delight, 
 Nor can I comprehend how one short night, 
 Can give due rest, or yield a sweet repose 
 To toylsome swains, that with the Sun still goes, 
 From one care to another, Reapers always sweat, 
 And Ceres bounty yields them labours, yet 
 Full Barns are thresh'd, the winnow' d wheat appears, 
 Which gives both Joy and Trouble to succeeding 
 
 years, 
 
 If my advise in Friendly manner, can obtain 
 But your attention, while my observations plain 
 How you some hours of tedious life may ease, 
 Controul your cares and sweetly rest iu peace. 
 
 Thy 
 
Piscator and Corydon. 63 
 
 Thy Friendship I still own, if fates were free 
 I willing would obtain and learn thy mistery ; 
 But cares still cloud my over willing mind, 
 Sprung from the Earth, there's all the Joy I find. 
 
 Ne'er mind the Earth, to Heaven lift your eyes, 
 All blessings come from supream Deities. 
 Those griping Misers, that the Muck adore, 
 Are always empty, and in plenty poor. 
 
 Earth is my business, and a soil that's rich, 
 
 Gives me contentment; Jove I still beseech 
 
 That all my Teeming Ews may fruitful be, 
 
 And Crown my Labours with their large posterity, 
 
 So may my Darie daily still abound, 
 
 With plentious blessings from my Heifers sound. 
 
 'Tis all I covet, Misers Gold admire 
 
 The only Loadstone to a fond desire. 
 
 Croesus, and Midas, Gold could ne'er content, 
 
 Ingraven Ingots, all the Gods they meant, 
 
 But baubles, to the Golden glistering o'er 
 
 That Damn'd their souls, yet dy'd exceeding poor. 
 
 Corydon, if you'll but gratify me half this day, 
 
 I will repay your kindness when you turn your Hay, 
 
 Fain would I now Spectator you should be, 
 
 If I ha' n't reason to be kind and free. 
 
 Almighty 
 
64 A Dialogue between 
 
 Almighty Nature bountious blessing sends, 
 Which I in Love impart unto my friends, 
 Who still pertake, with Liberal hand I strive 
 Their Loves to keep, Eternal Love survive. 
 What greater Treasure can I else bestow, 
 Then that from my assiduous pleasures flow, 
 The River's near, give your attention then, 
 I'll shew you all the beauties of the stream. 
 Under that shady Oak obscure there lie 
 For Gods themselves are private at their mistery. 
 
 <o rgtro m 
 
 Piscator, I'll obey ; You Powers Divine, 
 
 Pardon if I mispend my precious time. 
 
 Ah, no ! I'll contemplate of Heaven and every thing, 
 
 Great Paw, good notions to my mind now bring 
 
 While here I stay, and with Industrious care 
 
 Behold Piscator, what his motions are, 
 
 For knowledge none in his sweet art I have, 
 
 Such studys only fit the just and brave; 
 
 Who with attention and with patience strange 
 
 Hunt thro' the Liquid Element, and change 
 
 Their several Chases, as their observations vary, 
 
 Profound in knowledge seldom can miscarry. 
 
 So Herdsman go, a double care extend, 
 
 While I this day Piscator do attend. 
 
 Propitious fortune bless my floating quill, 
 BY which, observing, how the Fishes still 
 
 Nible 
 
Piscator and Corydon. 65 
 
 Nible the bait, then greedy swallow all, 
 As dying Victims, triumph in their fall, 
 That Corydon may see the difference and find, 
 That pleasure soon expels the troubles of the mind, 
 Immortal Jove, tir'd with the labours of the day 
 Withdraws, and to new pleasures finds the way. 
 
 *jfT 
 
 (tforp&on. 
 
 . 
 
 Piscator does your eager haste succeed, 
 Or, will your pains supply your present need, 
 The Sun is mounted high, and soon will fall, 
 But what repast have you for me, or all, 
 Slight is your store, your Meager looks denys, 
 But that your Belly wants its due supplys. 
 'Tis time, for Nature still refreshment claims, 
 And hunger still succeeds most pleasing pains. 
 
 I have enough for to supply your wish, 
 And here in Love 1 do present a Dish : 
 To save the late expence of your lost time, 
 Such Fish as now are only in their prime; 
 A Brace of Jacks, some Chubbs, and more 
 Three Lusty Pearch I lately brought ashore, 
 Not naming those of the Ignoble fry, 
 That greedy swallow and as sudden dye, 
 Three Dozen, more or less Fm sure, I've ta'en, 
 A sweet requital for so small a pain; 
 Get but a friend or two, and of your store 
 We'll banquet then this Night, and often more, 
 
 Since 
 
66 A Dialogue between 
 
 Since Neighbours like, in Love we both agree, 
 We'll Celebrate great Pan, and Neptunes liberality. 
 
 CTorpfoon, 
 
 Now I'm convinced Piscator's art's sublime, 
 
 He profit reaps by his expence of time. 
 
 By harmless pleasure, yet he always may 
 
 Contemplate the Eternal bounty of the day; 
 
 Which gives such Inclinations all Divine, 
 
 Without the Hazard of more precious time, 
 
 For while he Angles, serious there he may 
 
 Consider life, and life's uncertain way, 
 
 By fleeting time that never yet would stay. 
 
 Some friends I have at need, and those 
 
 Shall sup with us, if nothing do oppose, 
 
 Whose hearts are Cheery, and my home-made Wine 
 
 Shall mount their souls more lofty then the Vine. 
 
 Great Bacchus darling, Pom ona's joys are more 
 
 Then all the Grapes Insipped Fools adore. 
 
 Command my House, one hour I crave to be 
 
 Among my kine, and other drudgery, 
 
 The Masters eye make all the Horses fat, 
 
 Is the old Proverb, still remember that. 
 
 Well, I'll be Cook 9 against your quick return, 
 But bring your friends, for whom I inward mourn, 
 Lest some dull chance should keep them yet away, 
 Like tedious Prologue to a duller play. 
 Be quick dear Corydon, make haste be sure, 
 Impatience hardly will admit a cure. 
 
 Corgiron 
 
Piscator and Cory don. 67 
 
 See I have made a quick return, and brought 
 Those friends who scorn to have an Idle thought, 
 True friends they be, and such are only rare 
 Whose well bred Souls, them Noble can declare. 
 Now here's a Rummer ta my friends and you ; oH 
 Dear hearts be jovial, sorrow bid adiew. 
 Piscator s Fish, joyn'd with my home-made Wine, 
 Instills new vigor to our fleeting time. 
 Time's still in haste, old Time for none will tarry, 
 But we'll deceive him once, whilst hearts are merry, 
 See here's a brimmer to our Royal King, 
 Success attend him, and let every thing 
 Joy in his wellfare, prosperity still be 
 Upon our Soveraign, and his dignity. 
 
 Now call your Claris, and your Phillts, she 
 That Sings so well, and makes such Harmony, 
 Let's hear those lays, are due to your great Pan, 
 The God of Shepherds, and the Husbandman; 
 But Sing in parts and let them both declare 
 The Joys that are in Rustical affair. 
 
 (forytrom 
 
 Phillis, Claris, tune your Pipes, and let us hear, 
 Your melody can soon digest our cheer ; 
 Take turns to warble forth some pleasing strain, 
 For to delight my friends, who don't disdain 
 To hearken to, and then applaud your choice, 
 Both of the subject, and your sweeter voice. 
 
 SONG, 
 
A Dialogue between 
 
 SONG. 
 
 Phill. nr\ Hen Midnight Ghosts sink to the shades 
 
 below, 
 Affrighted, when the Cocks begin to Crow, 
 
 And tell the day appears, 
 No longer they must stay, 
 But Instant pack away 
 
 Unto Infernal spheres. 
 Then mortals wake and free from cares 
 Injoy the Day, expelling fears 
 
 The Lamp of Heaven the Sun 
 Sends forth his glorious light, 
 And bids adiew to dismal night, 
 Our labour's then begun, 
 d morning Hymn, and to the Fields away, 
 We Dairy Maidens have no time for play, 
 
 Love and his Idle houres 
 Neglected always be, 
 That grand simplicity 
 
 No pastime is of ours, 
 But Joys supream, in udders full we find} 
 The blessings of our Kine, we only mind, 
 
 Whose overflowing Feins 
 Give Nectar at our fire, 
 That Gods and J\fen admire 
 
 Our Happiness and Pains. 
 
 SONG. 
 
Piscator and Corydon. 69 
 
 SONG. 
 
 Cloris. f~iReat Pan, to thee we all oblations pay 
 
 Father of Gods and Men, to thee we pray. 
 No Wolves offend our fold while we 
 Are absent at our Husbandry , 
 Still may our bleating sheep, bring- tender Lambs 
 And mighty Fleeces from our Ewes and Rams, 
 Thou art their Father, with Paternal care 
 Protect them and their off-spring fair. 
 While Ceres bounty daily we attend, 
 Let thy all seeing eye, so far extend, 
 In Loving rays upon our Flocks, 
 Preserve and keep their dew'y locks. 
 Which we in stormy weather gently cull, 
 Then Card and Twist the glorious silver Wool, 
 The Weavers art, our want supplys, 
 Beyond the Ruby Tinctured Dyes. 
 Homeborn our Souls, and so our lives we lead, 
 We know no Citys, nor the Courtly breed, 
 Nor ne'er desire they should prevail, 
 Over the Dutys to the Milking Pail. 
 
 Piscator, your turn's next, I pray you Sing, 
 Your Angling pastime, or the Fishes King. 
 What Kings they have, or what you please belong 
 To Angling, make the burden of your Song. 
 But first to clear your Pipes .we'll drink, 
 No time is lost in that I justly think. 
 
 Propitious 
 
70 A Dialogue between 
 
 Propitious Bacchus, great Inventer of the Vine, 
 This Rummer's to thy health, and to the sisters Nine. 
 Immortal lays attend them, and the Lawrel thee, 
 For Love and Wine gives life to Poetry. 
 
 SONG. 
 
 Piscator. ^TM^ Hen first the Harbinger to day, 
 
 TelVs Sol's approaching, and a ray 
 
 Darts from the shining East. 
 Then from my Bed, I hasty fly ; 
 No fish will come a sluggard nigh, 
 
 By twenty foot at least. 
 My Tools got ready over Night, 
 I know the hours when they will bite, 
 
 And when they won't be free. 
 Loose not the most expected prime, 
 But take the most convenient time 
 
 When Storms and Clouds none be. 
 When boisterous Winds in Caves are pent, 
 Zephyrus breezes only vent, 
 
 Then I begin to Tro ill, 
 For hasty Pike, or greedy Jack, 
 Of which I seldom use to lack, 
 
 And Love them with my Soul. 
 Sol, if his Morning Beams prove fair, 
 With Glorious Skys, serene the Air, 
 
 To Angling then I go, 
 
 For Trout, or Pearch,/0r Roach, or Bleak, 
 Bui Chubs / seldom use to seek, 
 
 And for some reasons know. 
 
 They 
 
Piscator and Corydon. 71 
 
 Before declines the short liv'd day, 
 
 If there appears a fly 
 On waters calm, tho ne cr so deep, 
 Without a Ladder, up he'll creep, 
 
 And Gorge it Instantly. 
 Neptune, Commander of the Seas, 
 Thy Queen and Loving Neriades, 
 
 That daily we adore, 
 Propitious to our pastimes be, 
 All Anglers Love thy Deity, 
 
 And will for evermore 
 Tho" 1 we thy Fishes do decoy, 
 And therein place a supream Joy, 
 
 With Hooks and Lines, 
 Yet we no Poachers can abide, 
 That scorn thy Majesty, beside 
 
 And with Ignoble crimes 
 Thy subjects in unlawful Nets, 
 Destroy, and afterward abets, 
 For to deface thy Throne. 
 Rouse Mighty Monarch of the Seas, 
 And let thy trident, if thou please 
 
 Confound them every one. 
 That so we Anglers daily may, 
 Find store of Game, and freer play, 
 
 While with attentive eyes, 
 We mind our floating quill, for then 
 What Victims fall by Angling Men 
 We to thee Sacrifice. 
 
 Call Hobb our Boy and you shall hear him Sing 
 A Ballet which from Town, he late did bring, 
 
 H Compos'd 
 
72 A Dialogue between 
 
 Compos'd of Kniting, and the sweet delight, 
 That Ladies do Injoy, each morn and night, 
 While husied thoughts, from Love sequestred be, 
 And all admire their own Felicity. 
 
 SONG. 
 
 Hohb. TTjT OPT pleasant are we, 
 In joys that are free, 
 Since kniting of knots is the fashion, 
 The Citizens wife, 
 Is void from all strife, 
 While busied at such occupation. 
 The Beau's of the Town, 
 May chance for to frown, 
 Now kniting so much is requested, 
 By Ladies whose eyes, 
 All Glory s Comprise, 
 Such Sots are always rejected. 
 The Madam of Honour, 
 When visits come on her, 
 Finds double delight in her kniting, 
 An dizmilla of thread, 
 From her foot to her head 
 Declares she has no mind to Jilting, 
 Those baubles of plays, 
 That encrease or delays, 
 Expectation into a kind greeting, 
 ]3y kniting of knots, 
 Can tell all the spots, 
 That Lovers Indure at a meeting. 
 The pleasure is such 
 No Wise Man will grutch, 
 The Joys of our sweet vocation. 
 
 Wiiile 
 
Piscator and Corydon. 73 
 
 While kniting his Wife, 
 Is spending her Life, 
 And all for the Pride of the Nation. 
 
 God a mercy Hobl>, we thank you for your Song, 
 'Tis time to part, I think we've tarried long. 
 The Cocks are now begining for to Crow, 
 And each must part, and to his home now go, 
 Lest Wives should chide, who are commanders all, 
 Good hours do often keep us from a hraul. 
 I'll be those Wives whose clamorous Tongues repay, 
 Our softest kindness tho we seldom stray, 
 Love be our guide, and Love restrains our fears, 
 While Love gives health unto succeeding years. 
 Time flys apace as we have tryal made; 
 The Night's too short, or longer I'd a staid. 
 Now take my thanks, kind Corydon, your friends 
 Accept the same, my mind now homeward tends 
 Lest dubious thoughts, in my Loves breast should 
 
 rise, 
 
 And anger breed, which to prevent be wise, 
 And keep good hours, tho now I did exceed 
 'Twas Love, 'twas Kindness to my friend indeed, 
 Sinister actions, let none willing try 
 Good night, prosperity attend you all, good buy. 
 
 Piscator's gone, in joys he's doubly blest, 
 While all tranquilities possess his Breast; 
 Pious his Soul, contentment in his mind, 
 The greatest Treasure Mortals here can find. 
 
 See 
 
74 A Dialogue between Piscator, 8?c. 
 
 See with what freedom, and what Love he gave 
 His Labours, which declare him Nobly brave. 
 Some of his Fish, undrest, my friends, remains, 
 Take to your homes, and there Injoy his pains, 
 Which he esteems no labour, had I his Art, 
 I'd spare some time from Toylsome Plow and Cart. 
 Sweet is the pleasure that Mans Soul possess, 
 Where Joys create a lasting happiness. 
 Such is an Anglers, who from grief or care. 
 Curbs with discretion, thoughts that bring dispair. 
 Tho I'm no *4ngler, Anglers still I'll love, 
 For Anglers Patience comes from Mighty Jove, 
 
 rrto*ft 
 ' tin ft 
 
 Post- 
 
Postscript. 
 
 WEdnesdayihe eighth of March, 1699. 
 At Nine a Clock at Night, Mr. 
 Hyde sent his Foot-man to my House, to 
 tell me that he designed to draw his great 
 Fish Pond at Winckhurst, next morning, and 
 desired me to meet him there to be partaker 
 of his diversion with Captain Comer, and 
 Mr. Robert Outram, which I did. 
 
 I have seen several Fish Ponds drawn 
 and abundance of Fish taken, but never in 
 my life so many at one time. 
 
 It was a most pleasing sight to see above 
 a Thousand Golden-scal'd Carps at once 
 lie panting on the ground; Some of them 
 above twenty inches in Length, and silently 
 seem'd to lament their Captivity, and among 
 them some over-grown Pearches of eighteen 
 Inches long, whose Porcupine backs and 
 gaping mouths which discover 'd Teeth as 
 sharp as Spanish Needles, that seemed to 
 threaten the Spectators for debasing them 
 from their proper Element; beside an In- 
 finite Number of most curious Tench, and 
 small Pearch, to the great Amazement of 
 
 the 
 
( 76 ) 
 
 the beholders. The reason why Mr. Hyde, 
 few'd his great Pond, was, because he would 
 stock his new Fish Pond at his House at 
 Sundridge Place, with only choice Fish, 
 and it is a curious Pond indeed, into which 
 he put three Hundred and Fifty of those 
 Carps which were from Sixteen to twenty 
 Inches in length, beside the large Pearches 
 with abundance of small ones. 
 
 Which in two years time will grow large, 
 a great many Curious Tench were put in 
 with them, beside a Kilderkin full of very 
 large Silver Eeles, some of them as big as 
 a Mans wrist. 
 
 The Fish were carried in a Waggon, 
 drawn by a stout Team of Horses from 
 Winckhurst Pond to his House at Sund- 
 ridge, being about four Mile distant one 
 from the other ; beside he sent four Hun- 
 dred delicate Carps to his stews at Bore- 
 place, another of his seats which he keeps 
 always ready to pleasure his Friends and 
 Gentry, who often visit him for their Re- 
 creation at both places, but most commonly 
 at Sundridge, where he chiefly resides. 
 
 The Carps are commendable, they don't 
 eat muddy, for a continual stream preserves 
 them from the offensive taste that most have 
 in other Ponds, that want the conveniency 
 of a stream; and TVinckhurstPond is of such 
 extent, that they were ten days in leting out 
 the water, and the last two days several 
 
 People 
 
( 77 ) 
 
 People watch'd by a good fire Night and 
 Day, and wanted not the Blessing of Roast 
 Beef and Napy Ale, which Mr. Hyde con- 
 stantly supply'd them with: It's impossible 
 to tell the just Number of Fish we took, for 
 he gave away abundance of every sort to all 
 those he would lend a helping hand, as well 
 Labourers as Friendly Spectators, whose 
 Curiosity brought them to Injoy the delight 
 that Lovely Spectacle invited them to. 
 
 Among the fine Carps he gave me, with 
 some Silver Eeles, he was pleased to present 
 me with one Pearch of thirteen Inches long 
 and nine Inches over, I weigh'd it when I 
 came home, and it weigh'd one Pound ten 
 Ounces, and had an other Fish in his Belly, 
 but it was nothing in Comparison to those 
 he carried to Simdridge place, when we 
 had sent away our choice Fish we stock'd 
 Winckhurst Pond again, and put in two 
 thousand Carps from nine Inches to four- 
 teen in length, not reckoning the small 
 Pearch and Tench, which might be by guess 
 as many more, which in three hours time 
 were all bravely afloat to their Content- 
 ment, by the stream that runs into the 
 Pond. 
 
 I can justly sum up of that days Action, 
 that we took two Thousand Seven Hundred 
 and Fifty Carps. 
 
 Not reckoning those were given away, 
 nor the Tench, nor Pearch, nor Silver 
 
 Eeles; 
 
Eeles ; I am of opinion that no Pond in 
 the County of Kent, [if in the Nation] had 
 such a stock of Fish, for last Summer I, 
 with Captain Comer and an other Gentle- 
 man, did in one Day take with our Angles 
 twenty Brace of Carps of extraordinary 
 growth, if any question the truth of this 
 Postscript, Mr. Hyde himself, with Captain 
 Comer , my self, and several other People 
 of good Quality, who were then with us 
 only as Spectators, can justify the Truth. 
 
 Winckhurst stock'd with 2000 Carps. 
 Sundridge Place with 0350 
 Boar Place stews with 0400 
 
 In all. 2750 
 
 FINIS. 
 
TO THE LOVERS OF ANGLING. 
 
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