50 THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 



ViAT. It appears on a sudden, but not before it was looked for : 

 it stands prettily, and here's wood about it too, but so young, as 

 appears to be of your own planting. 



Pisc. It is so. Will it please you to alight, Sir ; and now per- 

 mit me, after all your pains and dangers, to take you in my arms, 

 and to assure you that you are infinitely welcome. 



ViAT. I thank you. Sir, and am glad with all my heart I am 

 here ; for, in downright truth, I am exceeding weary. 



Pisc. You ^^■ill sleep so much the better ; you shall presently 

 have a light supper, and to bed. Come, Sirs, lay the cloth, and 

 bring what you have presently ; and let the gentleman's bed be 

 made ready in the meantime in my father Walton's chamber. 

 And now. Sir, here is my service to you, and once more welcome. 



ViAT. Ay, marry. Sir, this glass of good sack has refreshed 

 me ; and I'll make as bold with your meat, for the trot has got 

 me a good stomach. 



Pisc. Come, Sir, fall to then : you see my little supper is 

 always ready when I come home ; and I'll make no stranger of 

 you. 



ViAT. That your meal is so soon ready is a sign your servants 

 know your certain hours. Sir. I confess I did not expect it so 

 soon ; but now 'tis here, you shall see I will make myself no 

 stransrer. 



Pisc. Much good do your heart, and I thank you for that 

 friendly word. And now, Sir, my service to you in a cup of 

 More-lands ale ; for you are now in the More-lands, but within 

 a spit and a stride of the Peak. Fill my friend his glass. 



ViAT. Believe me you have good ale in the More-lands ; far 

 better than that at Ashborn. 



Pisc. That it may soon be ; for Ashborn has, which is a kind 

 of a riddle, always in it the best malt and the worst ale in Eng- 

 land.* Come, take away, and bring us some pipes and a bottle 



* This seems to be something contradictory to what is formerly stated. 

 A friend of mine informs me that at this time Ashborne ale is quite famous 

 in the northern and midland counties. — Rennie. The information of Mr. 

 Rennie's friend is perfectly correct. The ale of Ashborne is equal, if not 

 superior, in strength, color, purity, and flavor, to any ale of any town in the 

 kingdom. Even Nottingham does not surpass it. — Fitzgibbon. 



