THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 35 



Pisc. Sir, I think myself happy in your acquaintance, and 

 before we part shall entreat leave to embrace you : you have 

 said enough to recommend you to my best opinion ; for my father 

 Walton will be seen twice in no man's company he does not 

 like, and likes none but such as he believes to be very honest 

 men ; which is one of the best arguments, or at least of the best 

 testimonies I have, that I either am, or that he thinks me, one of 

 those, seeing I have not yet found him weary of me. 



ViAT. You speak like a true friend, and in doing so render 

 yourself worthy of his friendship. May I be so bold as to ask 

 your name ? 



Pisc. Yes, surely Sir, and, if you please, a much nicer ques- 

 tion ; my name is ; and I intend to stay long enough in 



your company, if I find you do not dislike mine, to ask yours too. 

 In the meantime, because we are now almost at Ashborn, I shall 

 freely and bluntly tell you, that I am a brother of the angle too ; 

 and peradventure, can give you some instructions how to angle for 

 a trout in a clear river, that my father Walton himself will not 

 disprove, though he did either purposely omit, or did not remem- 

 ber them, when you and he sat discoursing under the sycamore 

 tree.* And being you have already told me whither your jour- 

 ney is intended, and that I am better acquainted with the coun- 

 try than you are, I will heartily and earnestly entreat you will 

 not think of staying at this town ; but go on with me six miles 

 further, to my house, where you shall be extremely welcome : it 

 is directly in your way ; we have day enough to perform our 



The eager trout, and with the slender line 



And yielding rod solicit to the shore 



The struggling, panting prey ; while vernal clouds 



And tepid gales obscured the ruffl'd pool, 



And from the deeps call'd forth the wanton swarms. 



Form'd on the Samian school or those of Ind, 



There are who think this pastime scarce humane ; 



Yet in my mind (and not relentless I) 



His life is pure that wears no fouler stains. 



The Art of Preserving Health. B. HI. 

 Exercise ; by John Armstrong, M. D., 1774. 



Am. Ed 

 • See page 93 of the first pajt. 



