PERCH. 43 



say, will order some of our fish to be dressed 

 for the table. 



Host. — I hope, gentlemen, you have been 

 amused ? 



Hal. — Most highly, sir. As a proof of it, 

 there are in the fish-well eighteen good trout, 

 — and one not much short of 6 lbs. ; three 

 above 4 lbs., and four above 3 lbs. in weight. 

 I hope you will order that great fish for your 

 dmner. 



Host. — We will see. He is a fine fish, 

 and fit for a present, even for a prince — and 

 you shall take him to a prince. Here is a 

 fish, and there another, of the two next sizes, 

 which I am sure will cut red. Prepare them, 

 fisherman. And, Halieus, you shall catch two 

 or three perch for another dish ; I know there 

 are some good ones below the piles of the 

 wear; I saw them hunting small fish there 

 yesterday morning. Some minnows, ho ! — 

 and the perch rods ! 



Hal. — I am tired, sir, and would willingly 

 avoid minnow fishing after such a morning's 

 sport. 



Host. — Come, then, I will be a fisher, for 



