Best Times and Season to Angle.
<poem> But if the weather steadfast be and clear, [27. p. 196]* Or overcast with clouds, so it be dry; And that no sign nor token there appear Of threat'ning storm through all the empty sky; But that the air is calm and void of fear Of ruffling winds or raging tempests high;
Or that with mild and gentle gale they blow; Then it is good unto the brook to go.
And when the floods are fall'n and past away, And carried have the dregs into the deep; And that the waters wax more thin and grey And leave their banks above them high and steep; The milder stream of colour like to whey Within his bounds his wontèd course doth keep;
And that the wind South or else by-West: To angle then is time and seasons best.
When fair AURORA rising early shows [28. p. 196] Her blushing face among the Eastern hills, And dyes the heavenly vault with purple rows That far abroad the world with brightness fills; The meadows green are hoar with silver dews That on the earth the sable night distils,
And chanting birds with merry notes bewray The near approaching of the cheerful day:
Then let him go to river, brook or lake, That loves the sport, where store of fish abound; And through the pleasant fields his journey make, Amidst sweet pastures, meadows fresh and sound;
- <poem>
