CHAP. I. THE COMPLETE ANGLER, 115 



quotes her, for an example of tender affection ; as his 

 Father had done Job, for a pattern of patience. 



And to parallel this Cock, there be divers fishes that 

 cast their spawn on flags or stones ; and then leave it 

 uncovered, and exposed ta become a prey and be de- 

 voured by vermin or other fishes. But other fishes, as 

 namely the Barbel, take such care for the preservation 

 of their seed, that (unlike to the Cock or the Cuckoo) 

 they mutually labour, both the spawner and the melter, 

 to cover their spawn with sand, or, watch it, or, 

 hide it in some secret place, unfrequented by vermin or 

 by any fish but themselves. 



Sir, these examples may, to you and others, seem 

 strange ; but they are testified some by Aristotle, some 

 by Pliny, some by Gessner, and by many others of credit ; 

 and are believed and known by divers, both of wisdom 

 and experience to be a truth ; and indeed are, as I said 

 at the beginning, fit for the contemplation of a most 

 serious and a most pious man. And, doubtless, this 

 made the prophet David say: " They that occupy 

 cc themselves in deep waters, see the wonderful works 

 ec of God:'"' indeed such wonders, and pleasures too, 

 as the land affords not. 



And that they be jit for the contemplation of the most 

 prudent, and pious, and peaceable men, seems to be 

 testified by the practice of so many devout and contem- 

 plative men ; as the Patriarchs and Prophets of old ; 

 and of the Apostles of our Saviour in our latter times, 

 of which Twelve, we are sure, he chose Four that were 

 simple fishermen, whom he inspired, and sent to pub- 

 lish his blessed will to the Gentiles ; and inspired them 

 also with a power to speak all languages, and by their 

 powerful eloquence to beget faith in the unbelieving 

 Jews ; and, themselves to suffer for that Saviour whom 

 their forefathers and they had crucified ; and, in their 

 sufferings, to preach freedom from the incumbrances of 

 the law, and a new way to everlasting life : this was the 

 employment of these happy fishermen. Concerning 

 which choice, some have made these observations : 



First, that he never reproved these, for their employ- 

 ment or calling, as he did the Scribes and the Money- 



