Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/159

 * Lest whiles it hangs the liquid waves among The sight thereof, the wary fish should fear: And at one end a loop or compass fine, To fasten to the other of your line.

Cork.

Then take good cork, so much as shall suffice, For every line to make his swimmer fit;           [9.P.192]* And where the midst and thickest parts doth rise, There burn a round small hole quite through it; And put therein a quill of equal size, But take good heed the cork you do not slit; Then round or square with razor pare it near Pyramidwise, or like a slender pear.

The smaller end doth serve to sink more light Into the water with the plummet's sway; The greater swims aloft and stands upright, To keep the line and bait at even stay; That when the fish begin to nib and bite, The moving of the float doth them bewray: These may you place upon your lines at will, And stop them with a white and handsome quill.

Hooks.

Then buy your hooks the finest and the best That may be had of such as use to sell,       [10.p.192]* And from the greatest to the very least Of every sort pick out and choose them well; Such as in shape and making pass the rest, And do for strength and soundness most excel: Then in a little box of driest wood From rust and canker keep them fair and good.