I could never persuade one to stick on the bait.

Though some ladies I know who can pull out a fish

With as much skill and science as Walton could wish.

Kind Reader, now, my parting bow

With many thanks I make,

For patience shown; though, overgrown,

Much space the morals take.

Still, I beg to remark, they're not meant for you,

Who have quietly waded their deep meaning through,

But for those who exclaim, "O what humbug! what stuff!"