Fishing Song

Lyrics

Oh, the gallant fisher's life It is the best of any! 'Tis full of pleasure, void of strife And 'tis belov'd of many; Other joys. are but toys; Only this lawful is For our skill breeds no ill But content and pleasure In a morning up we rise 'Ere Aurora's peeping Drink a cup to wash our eyes Leave the sluggard sleeping; Then we go to and fro With our knacks at our backs To such streams as the Thames If we have the leisure If the sun's excessive heat Makes our bodies swelter To an osier hedge we get For a friendly shelter: Where in a dyke, perch or pike Roach or dace we go chase; Bleak or gudgeon without grudging; We are still contented