Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/188

 * The first is Faith, not wavering and unstable; But such as had that holy patriarch old, That to the Highest was so acceptable As his increase and offspring manifold, Exceeded far the stars innumerable: So must he still a firm persuasion hold, That where as waters, brooks and lakes are found, There store of fish without all doubt abound.

For Nature, that hath made no empty thing, But all her works doth well and wisely frame; Hath filled each brook, each river, lake and spring With creatures, apt to live amidst the same; Even as the earth, the air and seas do bring Forth beasts and birds of sundry sort and name, And given them shape, ability and sense To live and dwell therein without offence.

The second gift and quality is Hope, The anchor hold of every hard desire; That having of the day so large a scope He shall in time to wishèd hap aspire, And ere the sun hath left the heav'nly cope Obtain the sport and game he doth desire; And that the fish, though sometimes slow to bite, Will recompense delay with more delight.

The third is Love and liking to the game, And to his friend and neighbour dwelling by; For greedy pleasure not to spoil the same, Nor of his fish some portion to deny To any that are sickly, weak or lame; But rather with his line and angle try In pond or brook, to do what in him lies To take such store for them as may suffice.