THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



company. And, gentlemen, that I may not lose yours, I shall 

 either abate or amend my pace to enjoy it ; knowing that, as the 

 Italians say, Good company in a journey makes the way to seem 

 the shorter. 



Aug. It may do so, Sir, with the help of good discourse, which 

 methinks we may promise from you that both look and speak so 

 cheerfully : and for my part I promise you, as an invitation to it 

 that I will be as free and open-hearted, as discretion will allow 

 me to be with strangers. 



Ven. And, Sir, I promise the like. 



Pisc. I am right glad to hear your answers : and, in confidence 

 you speak the truth, I shall put on a boldness to ask you, Sir, 

 whether business or pleasui'e caused you to be so early up, and 

 walk so fast ; for this other gentleman hath declared he is going 

 to see a Hawk that a friend mews for him.* 



Ven. Sir, mine is a mixture of both, a little business and more 

 pleasure ; for I intend this day to do all my business, and then 

 bestow another day or two in hunting the otter, which, a friend 

 that I go to meet tells me, is much pleasanter than any other 

 chase whatsoever : howsoever I mean to try it ; for to-morrow 



to enjoy such a companion as you seem to be, knowing that (as 

 the Italians say) Good company makes the way seem the shorter. 



Viat. It may do so, Sir, with the help of good discourse, which 

 (me thinks) I may promise from you, that both look and speak 

 so chearfully. And to invite you to it, I do hereby promise you, 

 that for my part, I will be as free and open-hearted, as discretion 

 will warrant me to be with a stranger. 



Pisc. Sir, I am right glad of your answer; and in confidence 

 that you speak the truth, I shall (Sir) put on a boldnesse to ask, 

 whether pleasure or business hath occasioned your Journey. 



Viat. Indeed, Sir, a little businesse, and more pleasure : for 

 my purjose is to bestow a day or two in hunting the Otter (which 

 my friend that I go to meet, tells me is more pleasant than any 



* Mew9 a hawk, from the old French mue. The care taken of a hawk 

 during the moulting season, from about the first of March till August. — 

 Major. 



