BALLAD. (I am a jolly fisherman)

I am a jolly fisherman, I catch what I can get, Still going on my betters plan, All's fish that comes to net;

Fish, just like men, I've often caught, Crabs, gudgeons, poor John, codfish, And many a time to market brought A dev'lish sight of odd fish.

Thus all are fishermen through life, With wary pains and labour, This baits with gold, and that a wife, And all to catch his neighbour;

Then praise the jolly fisherman, Who takes what he can get, Still going on his betters' plan, All's fish that comes to net.

The pike, to catch the little fry, Extends his greedy jaw, For all the world, as you and I, Have seen your man of law:

He who to laziness devotes His time, is sure a numb fish, And members who give silent votes May fairly be called dumb fish:

False friends to eels we may compare, The roach resembles true ones; Like gold-fish we find old ones rare, Plenty as herrings new ones.

Then praise, &c.

Like fish then mortals are a trade, And trapp'd, and sold, and bought; The old wife and the tender maid Are both with tickling caught;

Indeed the fair are caught 'tis said, If you but throw the line in, With maggots, flies, or something red, Or any thing that's shining:

With small fish you must lie in wait For those of high condition, But 'tis alone a golden bait Can catch a learn'd physician.

Then praise, &c.