chap, xi.] THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



179 



many foolish medlers in physic and divinity, that 

 think themselves fit to meddle with hidden secrets, 

 and so bring destruction to their followers. But 

 I'll not meddle with them, any farther than to wish 

 them wiser ; and shall tell you next, for, I hope, I 

 may be so bold, that the Tench is the physician 

 of fishes ; for the Pike especially, and that the 

 Pike, being either sick or hurt, is cured by the 

 touch of the Tench. And it is observed, that the 

 tyrant Pike will not be a wolf to his physician, 

 but forbears to devour him though he be never so 

 hungry. 



This fish, that carries a natural balsam in him 

 to cure both himself and others, loves yet to feed 

 in very foul water, and amongst weeds. And yet 

 I am sure he eats pleasantly, and, doubtless, you 

 will think so too, if you taste him. And I shall 

 therefore proceed to give you some few, and but a 

 few, directions how to catch this Tench, 



of which I have given you these observations. 



