II - 04 The Angler

The Angler

How comforting it is to see a cheerful and contented old age; and to behold a poor fellow, like this, after being tempest-tost through life, safely moored in a snug and quiet harbour in the evening of his days ! His happiness, how- ever, sprung from within himself, and was independent of external circumstances; for he had that inexhaustible good-nature, which is the most precious gift of Heaven, spreading itself like oil over the troubled sea of thought, and keeping the mind smooth and equable in the roughest weather. On inquiring further about him I learned that he was a universal favorite in the village, and the oracle of the tap- room; where he delighted the rustics with his songs(1), and, like Sindbad(2), astonished them with his stories of strange lands, and shipwrecks, and sea-fights. He was much noticed too by gentlemen sportsmen of the neighborhood; had taught several of them the art of angling; and was a privileged visitor to their kitchens(3). The whole tenor of his life was quiet and inoffensive, being principally passed about the neighboring streams, when the weather and season were favorable; and at other times he employed himself at home(4), preparing his fishing tackle for the next campaign(5), or manufacturing rods, nets, and flies(6), for his patrons and pupils among the gentry.