THE COMPLETE ANGLER. 53 



CHAPTER III. 



PiscATOR. Good morrow, Sir : what, up and dressed so early ? 



ViAT. Yes, Sir, I liave been dressed tliis half hour ; for I 

 rested so well, and have so great a mind either to take, or to see 

 a trout taken in your fine river, that I could no longer lie a-bed. 



Pisc. I am glad to see you so brisk this morning, and so eager 

 of sport ; though I must tell you, this day proves so calm, and 

 the sun rises so bright, as promises no great success to the angler : 

 but however we'll try ; and one way or other, we shall sure do 

 something. What will you have to your breakfast, or what will 

 you drink this morning ? 



ViAT. For breakfast, I never eat any, and for drink I am very 

 indifferent : but if you please to call for a glass of ale, I am for 

 you : and let it be quickly, if you please ; for I long to see the 

 little fishing-house you spoke of, and to be at my lesson. 



Pisc. Well, Sir, you see the ale is come without calling ; for 

 though I do not know yours, my people know my diet, which is 

 always one glass so soon as I am dressed, and no more till din- 

 ner : and so my servants have served you. 



ViAT. My thanks : and now, if you please, let us look out this 

 fine morning. 



Pisc With all my heart. Boy, take the key of my fishing- 

 house, and carry down those two angle-rods in the hall-window 

 thither, with my fish pannier, pouch, and landing-net ; and stay 

 you there till we come. Come, Sir, we'll walk after ; where, by 

 the way, I expect you should raise all the exceptions against our 

 country you can. 



ViAT. Nay, Sir, do not think me so ill-natured, nor so uncivil : 

 I only made a little bold with it last night to divert you, and was 

 only in jest. 



Pisc. You were then in as good earnest as I am now with you : 

 but had you been really angry at it, I could not blame you ; for, 



