208 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. [part i. 



sant 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. 



Pise. Nay, I will not be worse than my word, 

 you shall not want my song, and I hope I shall be 

 perfect in it. 



Ven. 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 moderation. 



Cor. 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. 



Pise. Well then, here's to you, Coridon; and 

 now for my song. 



Oh ! the gallant fisher's life, 

 It is the best of any ; 

 'Tisfull of pleasure, void of strife, 

 And 'tis beloved by many : 



Other joys 



Are but toys, 



