248 



THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



PART I 



were discovered by them, or by revelation ; for doubt- 

 less, we attained them not by study. 



Well ! this fish, besides his eating, is very useful, 

 both dead and alive, for the good of mankind. But I 

 will meddle no more with that : my honest, humble art 

 teaches no such boldness : There are too many foolish 

 meddlers in physick and divinity, that think them* 

 selves fit to meddle with hidden secrets, and, so, bring 

 destruction to their followers : but I'll not meddle with 

 them, any farther than to wish them wiser. And shall 

 tell you, next, for I hope I may be so bold, that the 

 Tench is the physician of fishes, for the Pike especi- 

 ally; and that the Pike, being either sick or hurt, is 

 cured by the touch of the Tench. And it is observed, 

 that the tyrant Pike will not be a wolf to his physician, 

 but forbears to devour him, though he be never so 

 hungry. 



This fish, that carries a natural balsam in him to 

 cure both himself and others, loves yet to feed in very 

 foul water, and amongst weeds. And, yet, I am sure, 

 lie eats pleasantly ; and, doubtless, you will think so 

 too if you taste him. And I shall therefore proceed to 

 give you some few, and but a few, directions how to 

 catch this 



of which I have given you these observations. 



