The Complete Angler 1653

The "first edition" has been a favourite theme for the scorn of those who love it not. "The first edition--and the worst!" gibes a modern poet, and many are the true lovers of l...

_Viat_. Sir, you have almost amazed me [Pro 24. 9]: for though I am no Scoffer, yet I have (I pray let me speak it without offence) alwayes look'd upon _Anglers_ as more patient...

_Let me live harmlesly, and near the brink Of_ Trent _or_ Avon _have a dwelling place, Where I may see my quil or cork down sink, With eager bit of_ Pearch, _or_ Bleak, _or_ Dac...

_Pisc_. God speed, good woman, I have been a-fishing, and am going to _Bleak Hall_ to my bed, and having caught more fish then will sup my self and friend, will bestow this upon...

There are also divers other kindes of worms, which for colour and shape alter even as the ground out of which they are got: as the _marsh-worm_, the _tag-tail_, the _flag-worm_,...

A hundred herds of black and white Upon our Gowns securely feed, And yet if any dare us bite, He dies therefore as sure as Creed: Thus beggers Lord it as they please, And only b...

_Pisc_. Yes, but I wil give you some Rules or Cautions concerning them: And first, you are to note, there is two kinds of _Frogs_; that is to say, (if I may so express my self)...

But, my Scholer, the _Pearch_ is not only valiant to defend himself, but he is (as you said) a bold biting fish, yet he will not bite at all seasons of the yeer; he is very abst...

We have Gentles in a horn, We have Paste and worms too, We can watch both night and morn. Suffer rain and storms too: None do here use to swear, oathes do fray fish away. we sit...

Here are no false entrapping baits To hasten too too hasty fates Unles it be The fond credulitie Of silly fish, which, worldling like, still look Upon the bait, but never on the...