52 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



that I will do so, I'll hold you twenty to one, and you shall see it 

 done. 



Ven. Ay, marry, Sir, you now talk like an artist, and I'll say 

 you are one, when I shall see you perform what you say you can 

 do : but I yet doubt it. 



Pisc. You shall not doubt it long, for you shall see me do it 

 presently : look, the biggest of these chubs has had some bruise 

 upon his tail, by a pike or some other accident, and that looks 

 like a white spot ; that very chub I mean to put into your hands 

 presently ; sit you but down in the shade, and stay but a little 

 while, and I'll warrant you I'll bring him to you. 



Ven. I'll sit down and hope well, because you seem to be so 

 confident. 



Pisc. Look you, Sir, there is a trial of my skill, here he is; 



that very Chub that I showed you with the white spot on his tail : 

 and I'll be as certain to make him a good dish of meat, as I was 

 to catch him. I'll now lead you to an honest ale-house where 

 we shall find a cleanly room, lavender in the windows, and twenty 

 ballads stuck about the wall ; there my Hostess, which I may 

 tell you, is both cleanly and handsome and civil, hath dressed 

 many a one for me, and shall now dress it after my fashion, and 

 I warrant it good meat. 



Ven. Come, Sir, with all my heart, for I begin to be hungry, 

 and long to be at it, and indeed to rest myself too ; for though I 

 have walked but four miles this morning, yet I begin to be weary ; 

 yesterday's hunting hangs still upon me. 



Pisc. Well, Sir, and you shall quickly be at rest, for yonder 

 is the house I mean to bring you to. 



Come, Hostess, how do you do ? Will you first give us a cup 



