SCENE, A CHURCH-YARD. 179 



on some waters, I say nought against it, seeing it 

 requires like skill and perseverance as angling with 

 the rod does ; but what is there needed of these 

 virtues, in order to strike a row of steel prongs into 

 the ribs of a dormant spawner, lying with exposed fin 

 in the narrow of a mere brook, especially when those 

 engaged in the employment are a numerous band, and 

 in use to surround the pool with their persons as with 

 a net, giving no chance of escape even to a solitary 

 straggler ? Tis in truth a barbarous pastime, pursued 

 more for sake of the fish, black and unwholesome as 

 they be, than out of frolic and amusement. 



Leister. You are somewhat severe in your con- 

 clusions. Be persuaded, however, to join us for one 

 night, and, believe me, you will abandon your present 

 opinions with respect to this mode of salmon-fishing. 



Otter. In truth, I have but little wish to act the 

 beholder of your intended massacre, and might be 

 tempted, were I to accompany you, to offer some 

 measure of interference ; more, in fact, than I could 

 enforce with safety to my person. 



Leister. You are not altogether so rash, Tom ; our 

 poor old friend Brigstanes, who now lies here, would, 

 as you well-know, have been among the foremost in a 

 ploy of this nature. 



Otter. No doubt, no doubt ; and for his sake, I shall 

 resolve to join you. What say you, Doctor ? 



Swivel. I am already bound to show face. 



Leister. So is Bill here. 



