Now in case that my tale may to some appear dry, I will draw some more-ales,--fine old ones, by the bye; Though, I fear, there are many who will not admire them, As they suit not those palates who mostly require them. First, young gentlemen all, never mind what degree, Whether lowly or high, or whoever you be, If you're but fond of fishing, I beg that you'll tricks shun; If you're not, you're beneath me and my jurisdiction. Still I'll draw you a glass which will pay for inspection, As whene'er it is looked at it yields some reflexion. Though the draught may be bitter, the faculty back it, So just make up your mind,--a bold face, and stomach it; For there's more in the dose than aware of you are, As the old ancient said when he poisoned his Ma. My advice, if wishing You are to go fishing, Is beforehand permission to get From your father, or master, Or, if such things you past are, You had better, I think, seek it yet From the man in possession, Who might use some expression Unpolite, if by chance he you met Treading down his long grass, In your hurry to pass To the river, your tackle to wet. Oh, it vexes one sore to be ordered to go! Quick to make one's self scarce! I have oft found it so; And have felt much inclined, as I quarrelled with Fate, To chuck in the old fellow instead of ground bait. But, if haply you 'scape from his telescope sight You will ever be losing some relishing bite While your gazing around, as he probably might (Popping upon you unseen), make you jump in a fright. Now to those men who dare Fish on Sundays--"Beware," I would say; "and take very great care Lest a fish of great size, Take you off by surprise, And before you're aware should effect your demise." But, a few words to anglers in general, still I would say, ere my inkstand I close, then my quill Must return to his duty, and figure away, And keep humbly a-summing accounts which won't pay: If a fish should get loose, Which, p'rhaps, grumblers may choose, From your line, what's the use, May I ask, of abuse, Though it may be the largest has broken away? Will an oath for a moment persuade it to stay? You remind me of perch, who, regardless of Fate, Often bite at a hook though quite guiltless of bait; So that anglers who angry become when they roam, Lest their tempers they lose had best leave them at home. As to low vulgar jests, which some think wit impart, They appear like the muck which o'erflows a mud cart. It is strange, though a fact, that a fisherman ever, Although skilful he be, and remarkably clever, Will be forced to confess, when by questions he's crossed, That the largest of fish in its landing was lost. Yes, 'tis always the best 'mong a number will stray, Or get lost, let the articles be what they may. I, in even a buss, have oft proved that 'tis so, For the prettiest girl would be sure first to go.