THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 155 



hath all the signs of being a trout, both for his 

 shape, color, and spots ; and yet many think he is 

 not. 



Ven. But, master, will this trout which I had 

 hold of die, for it is like he hath the hook in his 

 belly? 



Pise. I will tell you, scholar, that unless the 

 hook be fast in his very gorge, 't is more than pro- 

 bable he will live ; and a little time with the help 

 of the water will rust the hook, and it will in time 

 wear away, as the gravel doth in the horse -hoof 

 which only leaves a false quarter. 



And now, scholar, let 's go to my rod. Look 

 you, scholar, I have a fish too, but it proves a log- 

 ger-headed chub ; and this is not much amiss, for 

 this will pleasure some poor body, as we go to our 

 lodging to meet our brother Peter and honest 

 Coridon. Come, now bait your hook again, and 

 lay it into the water, for it rains again, and we will 

 even retire to the sycamore-tree, and there I will 

 give you more directions concerning fishing, for I 

 would fain make you an artist. 



Ven. Yes, good master, I pray let it be so. 



Pise. Well, scholar, now we are sat down and 

 are at ease, I shall tell you a little more of trout- 

 fishing before I speak of the salmon, which I pur- 

 pose shall be next, and then of the pike or luce. 



You are to know there is night as well as day 

 fishing for a trout, and that in the night the best 

 trouts come out of their holes. And the manner 

 of taking them is on the top of the water with a 



