The Compleat ^Angler 



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 pre- 

 sently ; 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. 



Pise. Look you, sir, there is a trial of my skill, there 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 vou 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 ; yester- 

 day's hunting hangs still upon me. 



Pise. Well, sir, 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 

 of your best drink, and then dress this chub as you dressed my last, 

 when I and my friend were here about eight or ten days ago ? But 

 you must do me one courtesy, it must be done instantly. 



HOSTESS. I will do it, Mr. Piscator, and with all the speed I 

 can. 



Pise. Now, sir, has not my hostess made haste ? and does not the 

 fish look lovely ? 



VEN. Both, upon my word, sir, and therefore let's say grace, and 

 fall to eating of it. 



Pise. Well, sir, how do you like it ? 



VEN. Trust me, 'tis as good meat as I ever tasted : now let me 

 thank you for it, drink to you, and beg a courtesy of you ; but it 

 must not be denied me. 



