NORTHERN MEMOIRS. 171 



extravagant prodigality, in pursuit sometimes 

 after fictitious novelties; as when they relin- 

 quish the rocks in a bravado, to challenge death 

 by a different fortune. For then is the time the 

 prejudicate native consults his opportunity to 

 put in execution that barbarous practice of mur- 

 dering fish by moonshine, as at other times to 

 martyr them with the blaze of a wisp and a barb- 

 ed spear. 



TJieoph. What, are these canabals, or murder- 

 ing moss-troopers, to surprize fish by the engine 

 of fire-light ? Such dark conspirators sprung 

 from the mines in Florida, Fawks, or Cataline ; 

 or some infernal incubus. 



Am. These are those amorous banks of Hay, 

 so famously extoll'd for diversion ; for in those 

 solitary streams you see before you, by industry 

 of art, and dexterity of the rod, I have had trouts 

 come ashore, and leap in my hand. 



Theopli. That's by reason they could leap no 

 where else; but how far have we now to the 

 bridg of Dean, discoursed every where for the 

 plenty of trouts ? and if fame be a true oracle, 

 they tumble up and down there, till the artist 

 pleases to exchange their element, and court 

 them ashore by force of arms. 



Am. That's the place, near those glittering 

 sands, and rocky foundations ; where you may 

 observe the trembling streams swiftly, yet sweet- 



