TROUT HALL;

A Song,

BRIGHT blazed the fire of crackling wood,
And threw around a cheerful gleam;
In front a vast oak table stood-

A bacon-rack hung from the beam:

Pipes, mugs, the chimney-piece well grac'd,—
In rows the fishing-rods hung o'er;

On each side Otter-skins were placed.

Rap! Rap! Cries Dame-" Who's at the door?"

Chorus. Some jolly Anglers loud they bawl,
T'enjoy the pastime of TROUT-HALL.

Bright as her fire glow'd Dame's plump face
As her old friends she welcom'd kind;
"Here! Joan and Dolly, clear the place,
"And tap the humming ale, d'ye mind?
"First fetch my bottle of right Nantz,

"The ev'ning air is keen and raw;
"My friends of cold shall run no chance-
"You'll pledge me, gentlemen, I know."

Chorus. Come jolly Anglers, one and all,

You're kindly welcome to TROUT-HALL.

K

Their stomachs fortified, around

The sparkling fire the Anglers spread; Fill pipes; crack jokes; the walls resound With laughter that might rouse the dead; The supper on the table smokes !

Round the oak board they take their seats; Now din of knives, forks, plates !—no jokesRight earnest aldermanic feats.

Chorus. Much good may't do each honest soul—
Each true bred brother of TROUT-HALL!

The supper o'er, well fill'd each guest,

Dame with her private flask appears;

Hopes they are pleas'd-" She's done her best-"
They greet th' old worthy with three cheers:

Again fill tankard, pipe, and bowl,—

Joke, tale, and toast, and song go round ; Begone, dull Care! shouts ev'ry soul,

To thee this is forbidden ground

Chorus. Begone! Thou never canst enthral,

The JOLLY ANGLERS at TROUT HALL.

APPENDIX.

Containing useful Matters, and General Instructions in the Art of Angling, which could not be comprised in the Notes, without rendering them of too great length, and breaking the connection of the Text.