A Bunch of Trout-Flies + 

For Archie Rutledge + 

Here’s a half-a-dozen flies, + 

Just about the proper size + 

For the trout of Dickey’s Run⁠— + 

Luck go with them every one! + 

Dainty little feathered beauties, + 

Listen now, and learn your duties: + 

Not to tangle in the box; + 

Not to catch on logs or rocks, + 

Boughs that wave or weeds that float, + 

Nor in the angler’s “pants” or coat! + 

Not to lure the glutton frog + 

From his banquet in the bog; + 

Nor the lazy chub to fool, + 

Splashing idly round the pool; + 

Nor the sullen hornèd pout + 

From the mud to hustle out! + 

None of this vulgarian crew, + 

Dainty flies, is game for you. + 

Darting swiftly through the air + 

Guided by the angler’s care, + 

Light upon the flowing stream + 

Like a wingèd fairy dream; + 

Float upon the water dancing, + 

Through the lights and shadows glancing, + 

Till the rippling current brings you, + 

And with quiet motion swings you, + 

Where a speckled beauty lies + 

Watching you with hungry eyes. + 

Here’s your game and here’s your prize! + 

Hover near him, lure him, tease him, + 

Do your very best to please him, + 

Dancing on the water foamy, + 

Like the frail and fair Salome, + 

Till the monarch yields at last; + 

Rises, and you have him fast! + 

Then remember well your duty⁠— + 

Do not lose, but land, your booty; + 

For the finest fish of all is + 

Salvelinus Fontinalis. + 

So, you plumed illusions, go, + 

Let my comrade Archie know + 

Every day he goes a-fishing + 

I’ll be with him in well-wishing. + 

Most of all when lunch is laid + 

In the dappled orchard shade, + 

With Will, Corinne, and Dixie too, + 

Sitting as we used to do + 

Round the white cloth on the grass + 

While the lazy hours pass, + 

And the brook’s contented tune + 

Lulls the sleepy afternoon⁠— + 

Then’s the time my heart will be + 

With that pleasant company! + 