The Angler’s Wish

Izaak Walton (1593–1683)

I IN these flowery meads would be,

These crystal streams should solace me;

To whose harmonious bubbling noise

I, with my angle, would rejoice,

Sit here, and see the turtle-dove

Court his chaste mate to acts of love;

Or, on that bank, feel the west-wind

Breathe health and plenty; please my mind,

To see sweet dew-drops kiss these flowers,

And then washed off by April showers;

Here, hear my Kenna sing a song:

There, see a blackbird feed her young,

Or a laverock build her nest;

Here, give my weary spirits rest,

And raise my low-pitched thoughts above

Earth, or what poor mortals love.

Thus, free from lawsuits, and the noise

Of princes’ courts, I would rejoice;

Or, with my Bryan and a book,

Loiter long days near Shawford brook;

There sit by him, and eat my meat;

There see the sun both rise and set;

There bid good morning to next day;

There meditate my time away;

And angle on; and beg to have

A quiet passage to a welcome grave.