The Comfleat ^Angler 



the rod, that is, by casting it to him into the water, I might have 

 caught him at the long run ; for so I use always to do when I meet 

 with an overgrown fish; and you will learn to do so too hereafter : 

 for I tell you, scholar, fishing is an art ; or, at least, it is an art to 

 catch fish. 



VEN. But, master, I have heard that the great trout you speak of 

 is a salmon. 



Pise. Trust me, scholar, I know not what to say to it. There 

 are many country people that believe hares change sexes every 

 year: and there be very many learned men think so too, for in 

 their dissecting them they find many reasons to incline them to that 

 belief. And to make the wonder seem yet less, that hares change 

 sexes, note, that Doctor Mer. Casaubon affirms in his book of 

 credible and incredible things, that Caspar Peucerus, a learned 

 physician, tells us of a people that once a year turn wolves, partly 

 in shape and partly in conditions. And so, whether this were a 

 salmon when he came into the fresh water, and his not returning 

 into the sea hath altered him to another colour or kind, I am not 

 able to say ; but I am certain he hath all the signs of being a trout 

 both for his shape, colour, and spots ; and yet many think he is not. 



VEN. But, master, will this trout which I had hold of die ? for it 

 is like he hath the hook in his belly. 



Pise. I will tell you, scholar, that unless the hook be. fast in his 

 very gorge, 'tis more than probable he will live ; and a little time, 

 with the help of the water, will rust the hook, and it will in time 

 wear away ; as the gravel doth in the horse-hoof, which only leaves 

 a false quarter. 



And now, scholar, let's go to my rod. Look you, scholar, I 

 have a fish too, but it proves a logger-headed chub ; and this is not 

 much amiss, for this will pleasure some poor body, as we go to our 

 lodging to meet our brother Peter and honest Coridon. Come, 

 now bait your hook again, and lay it into the water, for it rains 

 again : and we will even retire to the sycamore-tree, and there I will 

 give you more directions concerning fishing ; for I would fain make 

 you an artist. 



VEN. Yes, good master, I pray let it be so. 



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