To tempt the trout. The well-dissembled fly—
The rod, fine tapering with elastic spring,
Snatch’d from the hoary stud the floating line.
And all thy slender wat’ry stores prepare;
But let not on thy hook the tortur’d worm
Convulsive twist in agonizing folds,
Which, by rapacious hunger swallow’d deep,
Gives, as you tear it from the bleeding breast
Of the weak, helpless, uncomplaining wretch,
Harsh pain and horror to the tender hand.”