For him kind Nature clothes the verdant meads,
For him the oak its lofty branches spreads:
Oh! let us then adore the Cause supreme,

And make our debt to Him our daily theme!
Let inward pleasure glow in ev'ry breast,

And let's with rapture own how much we're blest.

But now, my friend, the length'ning shadows view,
'Tis time our homeward journey to pursue,
The rising dew, and moisten'd atmosphere
Counsel retreat-haste, other joys we'll share :
We'll brim the bowl, the blazing hearth we'll heap,-
An early supper breeds unruffled sleep.

Sleep, soothing pow'r! what balm dost thou dispense,
To raise our spirits, and revive our sense!
Great nurse of Nature, thy pacific sway,
Both prince and peasant readily obey.
Refresh'd by thee our pleasures we renew,
Or else with vigour, daily toils pursue;

A ruddy glow thou giv'st to blooming health, Without thee valueless are pow'r and wealth: To princely couch thou oft deny'st thy balm, While peasants find repose serene and calm.

CANTO IX.

ANGLING FOR PIKE WITH LAY-HOOKS.

Time, February.-Aspect of the Country.-Directions for the Sport.-The Heron.-Noted Rivers and Lakes for Angling. The Decoy Ponds.-Angling on the Lakes.Description of the Trimmer, another Instrument for catching Pike.-Colonel Thornton.-His mode of Fishing with Fox-hounds.-Praise due to him for making Ladies Partakers of the Angler's Sports.-Invitation to the Fair Sex.-A Storm---Salmon Fishing.--Invitation to Sportsmen.