I praise the Gnat, the Olive Dun,

Discuss the worth of wings and hackle;

I've flies myself of each design,

No book is better filled than mine.

But when I reach the river's side

Alone, for none of these I wish.

No victim to a foolish pride.

My object is to capture fish;

Let me confess, then, since you ask it—

A worm it is which fills my basket!