chap, ii.] THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 53 



the Puet, the Swan, Goose, Ducks, and the Craber, 

 which some call the Water-rat : against all which 

 any honest man may make a just quarrel, but I will 

 not, I will leave them to be quarrelled with, and 

 killed by others ; for I am not of a cruel nature, I 

 love to kill nothing but fish. 



And now to your question concerning your 

 Host. To speak truly, he is not to me a good 

 companion : for most of his conceits were either 

 Scripture -jests, or lascivious jests ; for which I 

 count no man witty, for the Devil will help a man 

 that way inclined, to the first ; and his own corrupt 

 nature, which he always carries with him, to the 

 latter : but a companion that feasts the company 

 with wit and mirth, and leaves out the sin which 

 is usually mixed with them, he is the man ; and in- 

 deed such a companion should have his charges 

 borne, and to such company I hope to bring you this 

 night ; for at Trout-hall, not far from this place, where 

 I purpose to lodge to-night, there is usually an An- 

 gler that proves good company. And let me tell you, 

 good company and good discourse are the very si- 

 news of virtue : but for such discourse as we heard 

 last night, it infects others, the very boys will learn 

 to talk and swear as they heard mine Host, and ano- 

 ther of the company that shall be nameless ; I am 

 sorry the other is a gentleman, for less religion will 

 not save their souls than a beggar's : I think more 

 will be required at the last great day. Well, you 

 know what example is able to do ; and I know what 



