The Fourth Day 173 



are returned Home both weary and hungry; and 

 now meat and rest will be pleasant. 



PETER. And Coridon and I have not had an un- 

 pleasant day : and yet I have caught but five trouts ; 

 for, indeed, we went to a good honest ale-house, 

 and there we played at shovel-board half the day ; 

 all the time that it rained we were there, and as 

 merry as they that fished. And I am glad we are 

 now with a dry house over our heads ; for, hark ! 

 how it rains and blows. Come, hostess, give us 

 more ale, and our supper with what haste you may : 

 and when we have supped, let us have your song, 

 Piscator ; and the catch that your scholar promised 

 us ; or else, Coridon will be dogged. 



PISCATOR. Nay, I will not be worse than my 

 word ; you shall not want my song, and I hope I 

 shall be perfect in it 



VENATOR. And I hope the like for my catch, 

 which I have ready too: and therefore let's go 

 merrily to supper, and then have a gentle touch at 

 singing and drinking; but the last with modera- 

 tion. 



CORIDON. Come, now for your song ; for we have 

 fed heartily. Come, hostess, lay a few more sticks 

 on the fire. And now, sing when you will. 



PISCATOR. Well then, here's to you, Coridon; 

 and now for my song. 



O the gallant Fisher's life, 



It is the best of any ; 

 'Tis full of pleasure, void of strife, 

 And 'tis beloved of many ; 



Other joys 



Are but toys ; 



Only this 



Lawful is ; 



For our skill 



Breeds no ill, 

 But content and pleasure. / 



