THE COMPLETE ANGLER 171 



they, or some spirit worse than they, first told us that 

 lice swallowed alive, were a certain cure for the yellow- 

 jaundice. This, and many other medicines, were dis- 

 covered by them, or by revelation ; for, doubtless, we 

 attained them not by study. 



Well, this fish, besides his eating, is very useful both 

 dead and alive for the good of mankind. But I will 

 meddle no more with that ; my honest humble art teaches 

 no such boldness ; there are too many foolish meddlers in 

 physic and divinity, that think themselves fit to meddle 

 with hidden secrets, and so bring destruction to their 



followers. But I'll not meddle with them, any farther 

 than to wish them wiser ; and shall tell you next, for, I 

 hope I may be so bold, that the tench is the physician 

 of fishes, for the pike especially ; and that the pike, being 

 either sick or hurt, is cured by the touch of the tench. 

 And it is observed, that the tyrant pike will not be a wolf 

 to his physician, but forbears to devour him though he 

 be never so hungry. 



This fish, that carries a natural balsam in him to cure 

 himself and others, loves yet to feed in very foul water, 

 and amongst weeds. And yet I am sure he eats pleasantly, 

 and doubtless, you will think so too, if you taste him. 

 And I shall therefore proceed to give you some few, and 



