When August days are hot an' dry, br When burning copper is the sky, br I 'd rather fish than feast or fly br In airy realms serene and high. br br I 'd take a suit not made for looks, br Some easily digested books, br Some flies, some lines, some bait, some hooks, br Then would I seek the bays and brooks. br br I would eschew mine every task, br In Nature's smiles my soul should bask, br And I methinks no more could ask, br Except--perhaps--one little flask. br br In case of accident, you know, br Or should the wind come on to blow, br Or I be chilled or capsized, so, br A flask would be the only go. br br Then could I spend a happy time,-- br A bit of sport, a bit of rhyme br (A bit of lemon, or of lime, br To make my bottle's contents prime).