Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/160

That hook I love that is in compass round,
Like to the print that Pegasus did make [11. p.193.]*
With hornèd hoof upon Thessalian ground;
From whence forthwith Parnassus' spring outbrake,
That doth in pleasant waters so abound,
And of the Muses oft the thirst doth slake;
  Who on his fruitful banks do sit and sing,
  That all the world of their sweet tunes doth ring.

Or as THAUMANTIS, when she list to shroud
Herself against the parching sunny ray,
Under the mantle of some stormy cloud
Where she her sundry colours doth display;
Like JUNO'S bird: of her fair garments proud,
That PHOEBUS gave her on her marriage day,
  Shows forth her goodly circle far and wide
  To mortal wights that wonder at her pride.

His shank should neither be too short nor long; [12.p.193.]*
His point not over sharp nor yet too dull;
The substance good that may endure from wrong:
His needle slender, yet both round and full,
Made of the right Iberian metal strong
That will not stretch nor break at every pull;
  Wrought smooth and clean without one crack or knot,
  And bearded like the wild Arabian goat.

Then let your hook be sure and strongly plaste
Unto your lowest link, with silk or hair;
Which you may do with often overcast
So that you draw the bouts together near:
And with both ends make all the other fast,
That no bare place or rising knot appear;
  Then on that link hang leads of even weight,
  To raise your float and carry down your bait.