156 ANGLING REMINISCENCES. 



malefactored him. Were he not vile in his nature 

 and dangerous, I had as lief let him free. As 'twas, 

 he got but a semi-torturing. But start you or stay ? 

 In truth, I myself have no relish for further down- 

 sitting, seeing 'tis at such peril as these ambushed 

 adders cause to one's breech. Nay ! to speak truth, 

 I have an inkling after merry sport in this loch you 

 talk of, and though inclined to be sluggish, shall 

 nevertheless shake myself, out of courtesy, into an 

 active humour. 



Exeunt. 

 HERON LOCH. 



May. The little waves are riding forth by hosts. I 

 like well the water's aspect. See you, there be some 

 fellows on the feed at the distance of three rods. 

 Let us lay our lines over them. 'Gad ! what a 

 vault this copper- fin took ; but the barb is in his 

 tongue, and he may whistle a death-dirge. By Jove ! 

 'tis a very cayman in vigour I he runs line like a 

 salmon, and 



Swivel. Is off, Bill. 



May. Ay, Doctor, sped and away ! gone by the 

 spirit of mischief ! My courage is down ten degrees 

 at a start. 



Swivel. Faith ! 'tis true ; what a melancholy atti- 

 tude you are in ! Cheer up, Bill ; one would imagine 

 you were become bankrupt, and had a surcoat out 

 at the elbows in fact, that you meditate self- 



