THE COMPLETE ANGLER 63 



of, the cormorant, the bittern, the osprey, the sea-gull, 

 the heron, the king-fisher, the gorara, the puet, the swan, 

 goose, ducks, and the craber, which some call the water- 

 rat : against all which any honest man might make a 

 just quarrel, but I will not, I will leave them to be 

 quarrelled with, and killed by others ; for I am not of a 

 cruel nature, I love to kill nothing but fish. 



And now to your question concerning your host ; to 

 speak truly, he is not to me a good companion : for most 

 of his conceits were either Scripture-jests, or lascivious 

 jests, for which I count no man witty, for the Devil will 

 help a man that way inclined, to the first ; and his own 

 corrupt nature, which he always carries with him, to the 

 latter ; but a companion that feasts the company with 

 wit and mirth, and leaves out the sin which is usually 

 mixed with them, he is the man ; and indeed such a man 

 should have his charges borne, and to such company I 

 hope to bring you this night; for at Trout Hall, not 

 far from this place, where I purpose to lodge to-night, 

 there is usually an angler that proves good company : 

 and let me tell you, good company and good discourse 

 are the very sinews of virtue : but for such discourse as 

 we heard last night, it infects others ; the very boys will 

 learn to talk and swear, as they heard mine host,* and 

 another of the company that shall be nameless ; I am 

 sorry the other is a gentleman ; for less religion will not 

 save their souls than a beggar's : I think more will be 

 required at the last great day. Well ! you know what 

 example is able to do ; and I know what the poet says in 

 the like case, which is worthy to be noted by all parents 

 and people of civility : 



. . . many a one 

 Owes to his country his religion ; 

 And in another would as strongly grow, 

 Had but his nurse or mother taught him so. 



* Of the Thatched House, at Hoddcsden, where Piscator passed 

 the first night. 



