Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/182

 * All these are good, and many others more, To make fit baits to take these kinds of fish; So that some fair deep place you feed before A day or two, with pail, with bowl, or dish; And of these meats do use to throw in store: Then shall you have them bite as you would wish; And ready sport to take your pleasure still, Of any sort that best you like to kill.

Thus serving them as often as you may, But once a week at least it must be done; If that to bite they make too long delay As by your sport may be perceivèd soon: Then some great fish doth fear the rest away, Whose fellowship and company they shun; Who neither in the bait doth take delight, Nor yet will suffer them that would to bite.

For this you must a remedy provide; Some roach or bleek, as I have showed before; Beneath whose upper fin you close shall hide Of all your hook the better half and more; And though the point appear or may be spied It makes not matter any whit therefore; But let him fall into the wat'ry brim, And down unto the bottom softly swim.

And when you see your cork begin to move, And round about to soar and fetch a ring; Sometimes to sink, and sometimes swim above, As doth the duck within the wat'ry spring: Yet make no haste your present hap to prove, Till with your float at last away he fling; Then may you safely strike and hold him short, And at your will prolong or end your sport.