FOURTH DAT.] NATURE OF PAIN '. 101 



are founded on immutable laws of our nature, which 

 philosophy cannot change ; and it would be good if 

 we could give the same security of duration to the 

 love of virtue and the fear of vice or shame, which 

 are connected with immutable interests, and which 

 ought to occupy far more the consideration of beings 

 destined for immortality. But to our business. 



Now we have fish for dinner, my task is finished : 

 Physicus and Poietes, try your skill. I have not 

 fished over the best parts of this pool : you may catch 

 a brace of fish here before dinner is ready. 



PHYS. — It is too late, and I shall go and see that 

 all is right. 



POTET. — I will take one or two casts; but give 

 me your fly ; I like always to be sure that the tackle 

 is taking. 



HAL. — Try at first the very top of the pool, though 

 I fear you will get nothing there ; but here is a cast 

 which I think the Highlander can hardly have 

 commanded from the other side, and which is 

 rarely without a good fish. There, he rose ; a large 

 trout of 10 lbs., or a salmon. Now wait a few 

 minutes. When a fish has missed the fly, he will 

 not rise again till after a pause — particularly if he 

 has been for some time in the fresh water. Now try 

 him again. He has risen, but he is a dark fish that 

 has been some time in the water, and he tries to 



