А POEM.
161
But with such monsters, Nature not throughout
Has scared our efforts, and embroiled the deep;
Instead of that, our industry she tempts,
Presenting easier prey, and sweeter food. 90
And hence the loving sea thy eastern coast
Supplies with oysters soft, and lobsters red;
And turbot, far requested for his white
And mellow flesh, sea-pheasant often named;
And bearded cod, and yellow ling. Nor now
Can I rehearse the kinds of mackerel streaked,
Omen of dearth, if too abundant found.
Nor angel-fish, viviparous, and broad,
Hung up in air, and seasoned with the wind;
Nor perch, whose head is spangled red and blue, 100
Foreboding woeful wars, as fishers ween;
Nor ravenous seal, that suckleth on the shore
Her hairy young, unawed by eye of man;
Her snorting oft, at sun-set, on the coast
Of Angus, fruitful land of vital grain,
The wanton damsel mocks, and children join
Insultant, to provoke with rustic names:
Sudden awak'd, she starts, with uncouth gait
Gleaning their steps, and now with either hand,
Gathers, and throws full fast stone after stone; 110
Has scared our efforts, and embroiled the deep;
Instead of that, our industry she tempts,
Presenting easier prey, and sweeter food. 90
And hence the loving sea thy eastern coast
Supplies with oysters soft, and lobsters red;
And turbot, far requested for his white
And mellow flesh, sea-pheasant often named;
And bearded cod, and yellow ling. Nor now
Can I rehearse the kinds of mackerel streaked,
Omen of dearth, if too abundant found.
Nor angel-fish, viviparous, and broad,
Hung up in air, and seasoned with the wind;
Nor perch, whose head is spangled red and blue, 100
Foreboding woeful wars, as fishers ween;
Nor ravenous seal, that suckleth on the shore
Her hairy young, unawed by eye of man;
Her snorting oft, at sun-set, on the coast
Of Angus, fruitful land of vital grain,
The wanton damsel mocks, and children join
Insultant, to provoke with rustic names:
Sudden awak'd, she starts, with uncouth gait
Gleaning their steps, and now with either hand,
Gathers, and throws full fast stone after stone; 110
