For him kind Nature clothes the verdant meads, And make our debt to Him our daily theme! And let's with rapture own how much we're blest. But now, my friend, the length'ning shadows view, Sleep, soothing pow'r! what balm dost thou dispense, 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. |