86 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



the craber, which some call the water-rat : against 

 all which any honest man may make a just quar- 

 rel, 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 compan- 

 ion : 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 indeed 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 sinews 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 another 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 the poet says in like case, 



