34 The Complete Angler 



defend her from the injuries that they would bring 

 upon her. 



There is also a fish called by ^Elian the Adonis, 

 or Darling of the Sea; so called, because it is a lov- 

 ing and innocent fish, a fish that hurts nothing that 

 hath life, and is at peace with all the numerous 

 inhabitants of that vast watery element ; and truly, 

 I think most Anglers are so disposed to most of 

 mankind. 



And there are, also, lustful and chaste fishes ; of 

 which I shall give you examples. 



And first, what Du Bartas says of a fish called the 

 Sargus ; which, because none can express it better 

 than he does, I shall give you in his own words, 

 supposing it shall not have the less credit for being 

 verse ; for he hath gathered this and other observa- 

 tions out of authors that have been great and industri- 

 ous searchers into the secrets of nature. 



The adult'rous Sargus doth not only change 

 Wives every day, in the deep streams, but, strange ! 

 As if the honey of sea-love delight 

 Could not suffice his ranging appetite, 

 Goes courting she-goats on the grassy shore, 

 Horning their husbands that had horns before. 



And the same author writes concerning the 

 Cantharus, that which you shall also hear in his 

 own words : 



But, contrary, the constant Cantharus 

 Is ever constant to his faithful spouse ; 

 In nuptial duties, spending his chaste life ; 

 Never loves any but his own dear wife. 



Sir, but a little longer, and I have done. 



VENATOR. Sir, take what liberty you think fit, 

 for your discourse seems to be musick, and charms 

 me to an attention. 



PlSCATOR. Why then, Sir, I will take a little 

 liberty to tell, or rather to remember you what is 



