THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 235 



away. We have had a most pleasant day for fish- 

 ing and talking, and are returned home both weary 

 and hungry, and now meat and rest will be 

 pleasant. 



Peter. And Coridon and I have had not an un- 

 pleasant day, and yet I have caught but five trouts ; 

 for indeed we went to a good honest alehouse, 

 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 ; 



