To A Fish of the Brook
Why fliest thou away with fear?
Trust me there's naught of danger near,
I have no wicked hook
All covered with a snaring bait,
Alas, to tempt thee to thy fate,
And drag thee from the brook.
O harmless tenant of the flood,
I do not wish to spill thy blood,
For nature unto thee,
Perchance hath given a tender wife,
And children dear, to charm thy life,
As she hath done for me.
Enjoy thy stream, O harless fish;
And when an angler for his dish,
Through gluttony's vile sin,
Attempts, a wretch, to pull thee out,
God give thee strength, O gentle trout,
To pull the rascal in!
