- <poem>
So doth the bullhead, gudgeon and the loach, Who most in shallow brooks delight to be: The ruff, the dace, the barbel and the roach, Gravel and sand do love in less degree; But to the deep and shade do more approach, And overhead some covert love to see,
Of spreading poplar, oak or willow green, Where underneath they lurk for being seen.
The mighty luce great waters haunts alway, [See p. 197]* And in the stillest place thereof doth lie, Save when he rangeth forth to seek his prey, And swift among the fearful fish doth fly. The dainty umber loves the marly clay And clearest streams of champaign country high;
And in the chiefest pools thereof doth rest, Where he is soonest found and taken best.
The chavender amidst the waters fair, The swiftest streams doth most himself bestow: The shad and tweat do rather like the lair Of brackish waves, where it doth ebb and flow; And thither also doth the flock repair, And flat upon the bottom lieth low,
The peel, the mullet and the suant good Do like the same, and therein seek their food.
But here experience doth my skill exceed, Since divers countries divers rivers have; And divers rivers change of waters breed, And change of waters sundry fish doth crave, And sundry fish in divers places feed, As best doth like them in the liquid wave.
So that by use and practice may be known More than by art or skill can well be shown.
- <poem>
