TROUT HALL; A Song, BRIGHT blazed the fire of crackling wood, A bacon-rack hung from the beam: Pipes, mugs, the chimney-piece well grac'd,— On each side Otter-skins were placed. Rap! Rap! Cries Dame-" Who's at the door?" Chorus. Some jolly Anglers loud they bawl, Bright as her fire glow'd Dame's plump face "The ev'ning air is keen and raw; 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— 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-" 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. |