38 LITERA TURE OF SEA AND RIVER FISHING. 



griefs and many other happeneth unto the hunter, which for dis- 

 pleasance of them that love it I dare not report. Thus truly me 

 seemeth that this is not the best disport and game of the said 

 four. The disport and game of hawking is laborious and noisome 

 also as me seemeth ; for often the falconer loseth his hawks, as 

 the hunter his hounds, then is his game and his disport gone ; 

 full often crieth he and whistleth till that he be right evil athirst. 

 His hawk taketh a bow and list not once on him reward ; when 

 he would have her for to flee, then will she bathe ; with misfeeding 

 she shall have the fronce, the eye, the cray, and many other sick- 

 nesses that bring them to the souse. Thus by proof this is not 

 the best game and disport of the said four. The disport and 

 game of fowling me seemeth most simple, for in the winter 

 season the fowler speedeth not, but in the most hardest and 

 coldest weather ; which is grievous ; for when he would go to his 

 gins he may not for cold. Many a gin and many a snare he 

 maketh ; yet sorrily doth he fare ; at morn-tide in the dew he is 

 wet shod unto his tail. Many other such I could tell, but dread 

 of meagre maketh me for to leave. Thus me seemeth that 

 hunting and hawking and also fowling be so laborious and 

 grievous, that none of them may perform nor be very mean that 

 induce a man to a merry spirit ; which is cause of his long life 

 according unto the said parable of Solomon." 



The quaint passage is worth continuing : — 



" Doubtless then followeth it that it must needs be the disport 

 of fishing with an angle : for all other manner of fishing is also 

 laborious and grievous ; often making folks full wet and cold, 

 which many times hath been seen cause of great infirmities. 

 But the angler may have no cold nor no disease, but if he be 

 causer himself For he may not lose at the most but a line or a 

 hook : of which he may have store plenty of his own making as 

 this simple treatise shall teach him. So then his loss is not 

 grievous, and other griefs may he not have, saving but if any fish 

 break away after that he is taken on the hook, or else that he 

 catch nought : which be not grievous. For if he fail of one, he 

 may not fail of another, if he doth as this treatise teacheth ; but 

 if there be nought in- the water. And yet at the least he hath his 



