This fish the fittest for a learner is That in this Art delights to take some pain; For as high-flying hawks that often miss The swifter fowls, are easèd with a train; So to a young beginner yieldeth this, Such ready sport as makes him prove again;
And leads him on with hope and glad desire, To greater skill and cunning to aspire.
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For the Roach.
Then see on yonder side where one doth sit,
With line well twisted and his hook but small;
His cork not big, his plummets round and fit,
His paste of finest paste, a little ball;
Wherewith he doth entice unto the bit
The careless roach, that soon is caught withal:
Within a foot the same doth reach the ground,
And with least touch the float straight sinketh down.
And as a skilful fowler that doth use
The flying birds of any kind to take,
The fittest and the best doth always choose
Of many sorts a pleasing stale to make;
Which if he doth perceive they do refuse
And of mislike abandon and forsake,
To win their love again, and get their grace
Forthwith doth put another in the place.
So for the roach more baits he hath beside;
As of a sheep, the thick congealèd blood,
Which on a board he useth to divide
In portions small to make them fit and good,
