If grief, or wearing pain.[Pg 8]

[Pg 8]

He friendly seemed, and not averse

On fishing topics to converse;

At length I told my woe,

How that my flies and lines behind

Were left. Said he, "Oh, never mind;

If home with me you'll go,

With pleasure I will lend you all

You want; my stock's by no means small—

Not very modern though.

And, p'rhaps, if I, a stranger, may

Request a boon, as such a way

From home you've rambled out,

I should feel overjoyed if you

Would stay and let your palate too

Be tickled by my trout.

Except my housekeeper there's none,

And she will pardon what I've done,

So pray do not refuse."

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